'My Own Worst Enemy,' premiering Monday on NBC

The Orlando Sentinel (MCT) - Christian Slater suffers extravagantly in NBC's "My Own Worst Enemy."

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He's tortured. He's bewildered. He's infuriated.

Ultimately, he's let down by this preposterous drama series, which debuts at 10 p.m. EDT Monday.

"My Own Worst Enemy" is a split-personality thriller about two men who share the same body.

Slater is coldblooded operative Edward, who moves easily from hanky-panky to violence. "It's always a job," Edward says after wiping out an enemy.

Slater is also Henry, suburban family man with a wife, two children and a job as a strategic management consultant. Henry's life is low-key and unexciting.

Edward knows about Henry, but when Henry learns about Edward, confusion ensues.

Henry finds himself trapped in a messed-up Moscow mission. Then the show resorts to a tired mix of explosions, slow-motion violence and sprayed blood. Poor Henry. Poor us.

Henry wonders why Edward's handlers don't do away with Edward. A legitimate question, but there would be no series. I'm not sure there is one as it stands.

The supporting cast includes Madchen Amick as Henry's wife, who doesn't know about Edward; and Mike O'Malley of "Yes, Dear" in a change-of-pace role as Henry's pal.

As Edward's boss, Alfre Woodard has fancy technology, a haughty attitude and cryptic explanations. She struts around with conviction and style, but the plot is never credible.

"My Own Worst Enemy" allows the usually appealing Slater to play two roles. He's more engaging as agent Edward, and even Henry's wife seems to agree.

But the two halves don't add up to an engrossing whole. The show's worst enemy? The perplexing, cynical writing.

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MY OWN WORST ENEMY

2 stars (out of 5)

When: The NBC drama debuts at 10 p.m. EDT Monday, its regular slot.

Parents guide: Violence, sexual situations and themes, coarse language.

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© 2008, The Orlando Sentinel (Fla.).