In Plain Sight

Mary Shannon is a U S Marshal who leads the protection detail for federal witnesses in a program that places people under guard and under scrutiny. On the job, she tracks dangerous clients and negotiates the gray areas of law enforcement. At home, her sprawling family keeps pulling her away from the desk and into tangles of loyalty, resentment, and love. The rhythm flips between tense surveillance and quick-witted banter as Mary juggles personal and professional pressures. With sharp dialogue and grounded stakes, In Plain Sight shows how protecting strangers can exact a personal price, especially when family loyalties blur the lines. The show also leans into humor, letting Mary trade wry remarks with colleagues as she solves cases.

Created by David Maples, the series premiered on USA Network in 2008. Mary McCormack leads as Mary Shannon with Frederick Weller as Marshall Mann and Paul Ben-Victor as Stan McQueen, supported by Tangie Ambrose and Rachel Boston. The cast's chemistry helps sell the balance between danger and domestic life.

Critics praised the show for blending procedural tension with relatable family drama. The core themes revolve around duty versus personal obligation, secrecy and trust, and the way professional ethics intersect with messy domestic lives. The tone mixes brisk action with genuine emotional moments. Its pacing shifts smoothly from quiet character beats to urgent chase sequences, keeping tension high without sacrificing character development.

Used as a template for realist crime storytelling on basic cable, it showcased a capable female lead balancing authority with warmth. Its emphasis on mundane details and character flaws gave viewers a human lens on enforcement and protection, echoing in later police dramas.

Awards: The show received multiple nominations at major awards ceremonies recognizing acting and drama, underscoring its critical respect and contributing to USA Networks growing slate of prestige dramas during its run.