New NBC primetime soap opera Deception has its premiere on US television tonight (January 7, 2013) but it looks like it’s going to have to work hard to gain a following in the long term, as anticipation for the show has been somewhat muted thanks to a critical reception that can only be described as ‘meh’.

Critics don’t hate the Liz Helden-created program, but they don’t seem to be thinking much else about it either. “Viewed charitably, the series isn't bad as a sort-of "Dallas" knockoff, though it's worth noting TNT's rebooted "Dallas" covers similar territory in a more satisfying manner” writes Variety, while People Weekly offers: “It's a promising setup, but Deception doesn't allow us the dirty pleasure of enjoying the awful Bowers.”

The plot sees a famous fictional socialite Vivian Bowers found dead from what appears to be an overdose, causing her best friend Detective Joanna Locasto - played by Meagen Good- to embark on a quest to find out the truth of what really happened. The Washington Post isn’t too impressed with it, writing: “Deception falls prey to the exhaustive method of too-much-storytelling, adding layer upon layer of mini-mysteries and twists until the weary viewer needs a detailed map to keep track--or turns off the show entirely.” Newsday is more positive, but does point out “Been here/seen this - a lot - but familiarity could work in favor of Deception.”