TV: The naughty nurse

"God, make me good. But not yet."

The Prayer of St. Augustine now and forever belongs to Jackie Peyton, a New York City nurse who has all the makings of an angel -- if you overlook the fact that she snorts drugs, cheats on the husband, flushes severed ears down the toilet and sports a brutal haircut.

"Nurse Jackie," premiering Monday on Showtime, offers viewers one of the most complex, compelling characters on TV today, as well as undeniable proof that her vessel, Edie Falco, is an actress for the ages.

The dramedy, created by former Minnesotans Liz Brixius and Linda Wallem, is perfectly paired with "Weeds," another stellar series about an independent woman tripping down her own rocky road. But while Mary-Louise Parker's coke-dealing mother uses sexuality and charm to get by, Peyton relies on a withering stare that make her victims' blood pressure soar.

"I don't do chatty," she snarls to a delicate new colleague. "Quiet and mean. Those are my people."

It would be easy to claim that Falco is merely channeling Tony Soprano. There are plenty of reminders of the series that earned her three Emmys as Tony's wife, Carmela. The pharmacist who provides her with Percocet and nooners is played by Paul Schulze, who also portrayed Carmela's lustful priest. Several episodes are directed by "Sopranos" veteran Steve Buscemi.

But any comparisons to that classic series would be an injustice to the originality of Falco's new character. While the Sopranos bent over backward to convince themselves they were a respectful family, Peyton is all too aware of her surroundings -- and her sins. It doesn't help that her workplace, All Saints Hospital, is decked out with religious symbols (one of the pilot's most memorable scenes finds Peyton and a fellow nurse lying on chapel pews, debating the perfect side dish to serve with John the Baptist's head) and her drug intake does little to cloud the self-realization that she's far from a saint.

"They kept saying, 'We want to know. Tell us your thoughts.' And then I suddenly realize I have thoughts and I started to share them," she said. "And I am terrified because they've created a monster, truly. Like, if I could be in every meeting, in every casting session, in every editing session, I would do it because I am fascinated, endlessly fascinated by the process."

If only the series were more fascinated with the rest of the characters. The supporting cast is both underused and overwhelmed by Peyton's personality. Anna Deavere Smith, who's played a few tough gals of her own, including the national security adviser on "The West Wing," is relegated to comic foil, a penny-pinching administrator who gets Tasered, drugged and otherwise humiliated at every turn. Peter Facinelli ("Twilight") should have a juicy role as a bratty surgeon who tries Peyton's patience, but he's not loose enough to pull it off.

The only saving grace is Merritt Wever, a relative newcomer who's simply marvelous as a flighty Nervous Nelly who literally skips and curtsies her way out of awkward situations. More than anyone, she makes Peyton's eyes roll back. (Falco said Wever cracked her up so much during one scene that afterward she came over and gave her stunned co-star a kiss on the mouth.)

What "Nurse Jackie" needs is characters who will roll their eyes right back at Peyton. Judith Ivey comes closest as a wisecracking, cancer-stricken ex-nurse who represents Peyton's Ghost of Christmas Future, but it's only a guest appearance in the sixth episode.

Until the bench gets deeper, we've got Peyton -- and that's plenty. She's a woman to root for, to care for, to hope that she finally comes clean in terms of both drugs and her personal relationships. We want her to conquer her demons.

10 more reasons to stay indoors this month Jackie Peyton's toughness would come in handy over the next few weeks. June is chock full of enticing new series and season premieres, particularly on Mondays. In other words, diehard TV fans may want to schedule their softball games on another night. Here's a look at 10 shows fighting for your attention:

"Army Wives": This soapy and surprisingly seductive series returns with compelling story lines about infidelity, shaky business investments, teenage angst and a continuing war. Sally Pressman, who brings an arsenal of attitude to every line, may be the spunkiest actress on TV not named Longoria. ★★ Premieres 9 p.m. today, Lifetime.

"The Closer": Basic cable's No. 1 series returns with one of its most gruesome cases -- the wiping out of nearly an entire family -- ensuring that Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson (Kyra Sedgwick) has no time for marital bliss. Expect some major changes as the producers attempt to shake up a drama entering its fifth season. ★★★ Premieres 8 p.m. Monday, TNT.

"Weeds": Oh, baby! Her bump may keep her mobster boyfriend from whacking Nancy (Mary-Louise Parker), but it can't prevent a messy encounter with her estranged sister (the perennially underrated Jennifer Jason Leigh). Along with "Rescue Me," which continues its 22-episode run, this is summer's finest treat. ★★★★ Premieres 9 p.m. Monday, Showtime.

"Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List": The Emmy winner desperately needed a reminder that she's a secondary star, which she gets in an amusing season premiere with Bette Midler showing her the way a real diva behaves. Upcoming appearances by Lily Tomlin and Al Sharpton have convinced us to put the show back on our must-see list. ★★★ Premieres 9 p.m. Monday, Bravo.

"Food Party": Fringe artist Thu Tran's version of a psychedelic puppet show is one of the bravest efforts I've ever seen. It's also inedible. I'm not sure why I'd want to sit down with a woman who only seems to be in love with her own image and a bizarre crew of creatures, unless, of course, Nurse Jackie would first ply me with some of her stash. ★ Premieres 10:15 p.m. Tuesday, IFC.

"Hammertime": "Do you know what time it is? It's cleaning time!!" MC Hammer, he of the baggy pants and faded fame, tries to reestablish his career -- and his catchphrases -- in this thinly disguised attempt to re-create the magic of "The Osbournes." But Hammer's family, while likable, is no match for Ozzy's clan. You can't watch this. ★ 1/2 Premieres 9 p.m. June 14, A&E.

"Wedding Day": Reality guru Mark Burnett, who loves to make people squirm on "Survivor" and "The Apprentice," shows off his soft side in this feel-good series about couples who are unlucky in life, but lucky in love. The chosen pair get a lavish ceremony, lots of surprises and the chance to be on TV without looking like idiots. ★★★ Premieres 7 p.m. June 16, TNT.

"HawthorRNe": Jada Pinkett Smith grabs your attention as a ferocious head nurse who must battle insensitive doctors, suicidal patients, a rebellious daughter and the guilt she feels over the death of her husband. The pilot is a bit over the top, but underestimate Smith at your own peril. See next Sunday's A&E section for an interview with the star. ★★ 1/2 Premieres 8 p.m. June 16, TNT.

"Merlin": The King Arthur legacy gets another rehashing, this time through the eyes of a teenage warlock who seemingly can do anything but transform himself into Robert Pattinson. Neither the cast nor the sets lives up to the legend. ★★ Premieres 7 p.m. June 21, KARE, Ch. 11.