Television: Tim Roth: human lie detector

LOS ANGELES - Tim Roth, who portrays Cal Lightman in the new series "Lie to Me," has the luxury of being able to consult with set adviser Paul Ekman, the real-life inspiration for his character. But whenever Ekman comes into view, the Oscar nominee fights the urge to run away. That's because Ekman analyzes posture, facial tics and the direction of a person's gaze to detect the teeny-tiniest of fibs.

"I get really freaked out sometimes when I'm around Paul," said Roth, who is making his network series debut. "I pretend I've left something in my jacket: 'I've got to go.' It's like traveling with a critic with the New York Times. Wherever you go, there's a guy going, 'No, I don't believe you. The performance was terrible.' 'But I only said I'm going to the toilet.' 'Well, I don't believe you. You betrayed the fact that you are completely urine-free at the moment.'"

What may make Ekman an uncomfortable lunch companion also makes for a promising lead in a drama with loads of potential -- and not only because it opens in a post-"American Idol" slot, TV's most coveted piece of real estate.

The idea of a walking lie-detector test gives the show enough of a distinction from the dozens of other crime procedurals that you don't feel like you're watching yet another "CSI" or "Law & Order" spinoff.

Then there's Roth, best known for his roles in "Reservoir Dogs" and "Rob Roy," who brings a combination of Dr. House's bluntness and Lt. Columbo's charm to the role of Lightman, a private detective who looks into everything from political scandals to homicides.

"I try not to learn all this stuff too much, so it can keep surprising me," said Roth, who holds onto his British accent in the part.

Even those dead set against being educated during their prime-time viewing might not be able to look at their significant others, or even celebrities, in quite the same way.

"When they announce the Oscar for best actor, you see the split screen and there are four terrible fake smiles and only one genuine smile," said executive producer Sam Baum. "Some of the worst acting you'll see is from some of the greatest actors when they lose."

Of course, too much knowledge can be a dangerous thing. Roth's character is divorced and doesn't appear to have many pals. When his teenage daughter's date comes to the door, he can't help but come right out and ask the kid if he's going to try to have sex -- then wait for the poor sap to show his hand. Lightman also seems to have a hard time taking a walk without picking up "tells" wherever he looks.

Ekman knows what that's like.

"I was just rewatching 'Scenes From a Marriage,' and Liv Ullmann is showing fear where she's supposed to be showing anguish," Ekman said.

"You see?" Roth said. "That's why you don't want him on the set."