It is what it is: Basically, a weekly B-Movie. In those terms, the stories aren't bad-- in fact, they're usually pretty entertaining.
It's definitely all about the characters, though. I agree that the three leads are very good and have good chemistry. But I also love the newspaper guys. In fact, they are the most New England-y part of the show. And, as a New Englander myself, I really enjoy the setting.