TV tip

"Chance," Hulu Network

There are those actors who are so good that it sort of works out against them because you're never NOT aware that you're watching Emma Thompson or Leo DiCaprio. I feel that way about Hugh Laurie, who has transitioned from "House" to a starring role in an intriguing new series on Hulu called "Chance." Based on the novel by veteran California noirist Kem Nunn, "Chance" is about a San Francisco neuropsychiatrist (Laurie) whose grim case load, financial troubles and impending divorce are taking a heavy toll. But he becomes increasingly involved in a situation with a lovely new patient — played wonderfully by Deep River's Gretchen Mol — who's the abused wife of a menacing Oakland homicide cop. The story spins off from there, and watch for the unlikely developing friendship between Chance and a spectacularly dark character called "D," played with mesmerizing precision by Ethan Supplee (whom you'll barely recognize as goofball Randy from "My Name is Earl").