A dirty job

FX's newest output, Dirt, isn't as bad as its promos make it out to be. I know, I know... who wants to see another show about L.A.'s highest tax bracket? My answer: At least it isn't a "reality" show. It's an entertaining drama -- something FX understands.

Hollywood is getting good at putting out shows based on itself, with Entourage and Curb Your Enthusiasm having paved the way on the modern TV landscape. Each succeeds on its own level: With Jeremy Piven anchoring Entourage's comedy, its main message remains "We're rich and famous. We have fun. And you like to imagine you could have this type of fun," while Curb revels in its own absurdity, making Hollywood look increasingly dumb.

Dirt has a different angle -- the type that makes you hate just about every character involved, and then hate yourself for starting to like them. You meet the tabloid journalists and photojournalists, and while you might cringe at, say, the schizophrenic photographer who's trying to get a shot of a dead girl at her wake, you really hope he gets the picture of a poorly made-up Shannyn Sossamon in time to make the cover.

Then, in contrast to Entourage, the show allows you to dislike "celebrity" characters... who are just as snotty as Vince and his crew, but aren't as endearing.

I don't know if it'll last, though, so take an hour and check out an episode. Not that it's too good to catch on (see FX's Thief), it's just that its another show about Hollywood.