Best upgrade
Marcia Gay Harden, “Code Black”
When CBS was casting “Code Black,” the new ensemble medical drama that looks and sounds a lot like “ER,” the lead role originally went to 31-yearold Maggie Grace (“Lost”), but at the last minute the show gave it to Marcia Gay Harden, 56, who had been slated for a co-starring part. This inspired bit of recasting goes against the Hollywood grain, which says if you put a babe under 35 in the lead, they will come. Cheers to CBS for recognizing that Harden, who already has a freaking Oscar (Best Supporting Actress for “Pollock”), shouldn’t play second fiddle to anyone. She’ll star as Dr. Leane Rorish, residency director of an insanely busy American hospital. Harden’s elevation is consistent with the network’s longtime commitment to great roles for seasoned actresses, from Jean Stapleton on “All in the Family” to Mary Tyler Moore, Angela Lansbury on “Murder, She Wrote,” Candice Bergen on “Murphy Brown” and Julianna Margulies on “The Good Wife.” Age, as they say, is just a number. In the end, talent wins.
Premiere: Sept. 30, 10 p.m., CBS