Five new stars bursting into view on TV's fall season

It happens every fall.

Established TV shows and familiar actors may continue to hog space in our DVRs, but a few fresh faces are always worthy of attention. From a tenderhearted "virgin" to a computer geek-turned-improbable-action-hero, here are five who thrive:

GINA RODRIGUEZ

("JANE THE VIRGIN," CW, MONDAY, 9 P.M.) The season's No. 1 breakout star shines in a role that requires her to quickly swivel between comedy and drama. That she does so while nailing all nuances and coaxing viewers to invest in the show's harebrained, telenovela-inspired premise makes her performance all the more impressive. Bursting with radiant energy and a natural charm, Rodriguez is simply a joy to behold.

ROBIN LORD TAYLOR

("GOTHAM," FOX, MONDAY, 8 P.M.) "Batman" fans all have an image in their heads of how the Penguin should look and act. That poses a major challenge to Taylor, who nonetheless brings his own brand of demented charisma to Oswald Cobblepot. This Penguin-to-be commits violent acts that can freeze your blood, yet he's oddly funny and even sympathetic. When Taylor is on-screen, you can't take your eyes off him.

CRISTELA ALONZO

("CRISTELA," ABC, FRIDAY, 8:30 P.M.) Alonzo's semiautobiographical comedy is too broad and cliche-

ridden to win us over totally. Still, we see signs of hope, mainly embodied in this stand-up comedian turned lead actress. She brings boundless energy to the show and is so funny and likable that you can't help but root for her. Meanwhile, we'll root for "Cristela" to get better.

ALFRED ENOCH

("HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER," ABC, THURSDAY, 10 P.M.)Frankly, we find most of the young students in the Viola Davis legal thriller to be dull and annoying. The happy exception is Enoch, who plays Wes Gibbins. He initially won us over with his compassion and wide-eyed earnestness as the shy underdog of the bunch. But now, he's displaying the kind of grit it takes to go toe-to-toe with the formidable Davis. Enoch made the shift smoothly, without crunching any gears.

ELYES GABEL

("SCORPION," CBS, MONDAY, 9 P.M.) We were surprised when "Scorpion" became one of the biggest freshman hits of the season. Maybe we shouldn't have been. London-born Gabel excels as Walter O'Brien, an eccentric genius who, with a team of brilliant misfits, works with Homeland Security to fend off high-tech threats. Gabel has great chemistry with his co-stars and helps ensure viewers get a big bang from the revved-up drama.