'FIRE' HITS THE BULL'S-EYE.

Byline: - David Kronke

`LINE OF FIRE'' may represent broadcast television's best chance at replicating both the grit and commercial success of ``The Sopranos.''

NBC tried it last year with ``Kingpin'' and got mired in the trap of attempting to both emulate and dilute the lurid excesses in which cable TV can wallow. ``Line of Fire'' gets it right by measuring its mature content in dollops that are organic to its storytelling and, more important, by highlighting compelling characters played by riveting actors.

David Paymer stars as Jonah Malloy, a mob boss considerably more modestly low-rent than Tony Soprano - he's a guy you could possibly if uncomfortably envision living down the street from you. He runs the crime syndicate in Richmond, Va., where he keeps his gang loyal by speaking in soft, soothing tones until the only possible recourse is brutalizing someone with a crowbar.

He's being assiduously pursued by the FBI, led by Lisa Cohen (Leslie Hope, late of ``24''), who is hardly a paragon of virtue - when we first see her, awakened at 6 in the morning, the first thing she does is reach for a glass of wine. She runs an efficient staff, though, and although crowbars don't figure into her repertoire, heaven help the agent who crosses her too often.

``Line of Fire'' was created by film director - and former film critic - Rod Lurie and bears the imprint of someone who sat through too many middling movies. Its characterizations are smart and bracing, its dialogue fairly crackles and its performers are given fun roles to play (and watch).

Yes, it may be a little gratuitous for Agent Trainee Paige Van Doren (Leslie Bibb) to have a 9/11-related motivation. And yes, it's probably a step too far to have fellow trainee (Jeffrey Sams) pursue her after she confronts him on his ethics. But it's clear that Lurie has thought out his character dynamics and dilemmas, and he has assembled a cast that responds steadfastly to the more melodramatic moments.

Paymer makes for a wonderfully witty and empathetic boss, an average Everyshlub who just happens to traffic in illegalities. Hope more than fulfills the promise she showed in ``24''; Her Cohen is keenly committed to her job, even if it means winnowing her way through a hangover or two.

Bibb, who was asked to be deeply superficial in the WB's ``Popular,'' is similarly deeply soulful here, as is Brian Goodman, a real-life ex-con who convincingly evokes the price of devotion to a troubling cause. Anson Mount, as a Malloy foot-soldier, elucidates both the pros and cons of his character's charismatic presence.

``Line of Fire'' takes the time slot of another crime drama, ``NYPD Blue,'' and will run in its spot until the veteran police series returns in 2004. In the three-plus episodes available for preview, ``Line of Fire'' demonstrates its ability to play both humorously and poignantly with equal aplomb. With ``Karen Sisco'' and ``NYPD Blue'' off the schedule, it's clearly the smartest show on ABC, and hopefully will inspire the other networks to aspire to more intelligent programming, as well.

LINE OF FIRE - Three and one half stars

What: Feds v. Mob: In this corner, Leslie Hope and Leslie Bibb; in the far corner, David Paymer and Brian Goodman.

Where: ABC (Channel 7).

When: 10 tonight.

In a nutshell: An age-old clash made fresh with fascinating characters played by a great cast.