But things have begun to change for the network, as it has successfully launched several quirky and distinctive new shows in the past couple of years. "Weeds," "Dexter" and "The Tudors" all have a common sensibility and feel that are very unique, and in all three cases, you get a sense of just what Showtime wants to be.

And now comes "Meadowlands," which has an odd and macabre moodiness that makes the show a real challenge to watch. But it also has a charm and complexity that is difficult to resist.

"Meadowlands"is a British drama about a community in rural England where a man, his wife and his children have been placed as part of the witness protection program. It was filmed in an actual community called Maidstone, and the houses have a bright pastel suburban look that is almost surreal.

The show begins with a family arriving at Meadowlands, blindfolded and silent. It's instantly clear that they're in some sort of witness relocation program, but it's not at all clear why and where.

The family is the Brogans, headed by patriarch, Danny Brogan, (David Morrissey, "Viva Blackpool"). Danny obviously loves his family, but seems accustomed to getting his own way. His wife, Evelyn (Lucy Cohu), is rebellious and instantly unhappy in their new place. She longs to get away, and blames her husband for their situation.

The Brogan kids aren't much better prepared for an unnaturally suburban lifestyle. Zoe and Mark are twins, although they couldn't be more different in temperament. Zoe (Felicity Jones) is a flirt and more, and within about ten minutes has already arranged a rendezvous with a creepy local handyman.

If the snippets of flashbacks are correct, Mark's hands were burned in a house fire, and he dresses a bit like a more sophisticated Michael Jackson. He has hasn't talked in three years, and has taken to watching an older neighbor undressing.

The overall feel is very "Twin Peaks in the suburbs," and that's in part because the Brogans may be some of the most normal inhabitants of Meadowlands. Everyone in the place seems to run the gamut from odd to bizarre and scary. Leading viewers to wonder just what sort of deranged group of keepers would throw all of this aggressively odd types into one small, enclosed neighborhood.

But despite all the quirkiness, the characters are endearing--in a scary, creepy sort of way. Perhaps it's the quality of the acting, or the original approach in the script. But after watching four episodes (of the eight-episode run). I am eagerly awaiting the next installment. Sure, it's a frustrating show to watch at times, and many of the things just don't make any sense at all (the handyman character, for one example). But each episode ends too quickly, even if I'm not entirely convinced I like the experience.

"Meadowlands" is a fine companion piece to the equally odd "Dexter" and yet another sign that Showtime has found a style of its own. It might not be a show I would recommend to the faint-hearted or easily frustrated. But it is easily the most original drama of 2007.

"Meadowlands" premieres on Showtime on Sunday, June 17th, 2007.