There's widespread skepticism in our forums (see HERE) over the new TV series "Crash," based upon the Oscars' best-picture winner of 2005. Starring Dennis Hopper, it debuts Oct. 17 on the Starz channel.

It's adapted by Paul Haggis, who won Oscars for writing and producing the original, and it would be a big mistake to underestimate his work (like many people pooh-poohed the film version of "Crash" at first). Haggis is a seasoned TV veteran who reaped Emmys for producing and writing "thirtysomething," which pulled off an upset to win best drama series of 1988 over "L.A. Law" and "St. Elsewhere." Haggis also produced and wrote "Facts of Life" and was a writer for "One Day at a Time," "The Love Boat," "Diff'rent Strokes," "Who's the Boss?" and "Walker, Texas Ranger." Granted, Haggis has had his share of flops too, including recent TV misfires "The Black Donnellys" and "Due South."

(Starz)