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CBS benches Smith
If you got attached to Smith, I’m sorry. CBS is benching the show “until further notice.” The decision is due to apparent lack of ratings. And here I thought Simon Baker shirtless could solve all ratings challenges. I guess not.

Heroes
Good news for Heroes fans: NBC has ordered a full-season pickup of the fascinating new drama. I think those heroes may be using their superpowers to sway network decisions. If that’s the case, then I’m putting up an SOS for Veronica Mars. Who’s with me? Also, Hiro — my new favorite TV character season — has his own personal blog at NBC, check it out here.

Lost casting news
Nathan Fillion — that’s Capt. Malcolm Reynolds to you Serenity Brown Coat fans — is set to join Lost for several episodes, according to E!Online Scoop Diva Kristin Veitch. Fillion’s character is intimately connected to Kate. Of course he is, because Sawyer and Jack just aren’t enough to keep that gal busy. Seriously, how do I get Kate’s job?

Tim Daly interview
Former TV stars are popping up on our screens everywhere and in the press. (See the next two blurbs for more.) Tim Daly, forever known to many TV fans as Joe on Wings, has a great interview at TV Guide about his amazing new show The Nine. Check it out. Also, for you former Wings fans, Joe’s brother Brian, actor Steven Weber, is currently starring in Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Now, if we can just get a gig somewhere for Helen.

Josh Jackson interview
Pacey Witter fans, former Dawson’s Creek star Josh Jackson did an interesting interview with Media Blvd. Magazine about his movie Aurora Borealis. Check it out here. Boy, do I miss Pacey.

David James Elliot interview
JAG fans, David James Elliot spoke with TV Guide about his new job on Close to Home and his former role on JAG. Check it out here.

William Shatner game-show host
Denny Crane’s portrayer, William Shatner, is set to host a new trivia-based game show, Show Me the Money, for ABC, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Move over Regis, Shatner will soon have as many jobs as that busy show talker.

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The week in review

by Jennifer Squires Biller

Nip/Tuck
Rosie O’Donnell stole the show last week on Nip/Tuck as “white trash” lottery winner Dawn Budge. Her theory that money can buy anything, including a $400,000 romp with Christian Troy, proved correct. But in the end, her money didn’t buy happiness, as a lonely, newly liposuctioned Dawn realized. O’Donnell’s brief sex scene with Julian McMahon was one of the funniest in Nip/Tuck’s history, as Dawn rattled on about macaroni and cheese and Christian’s performance. According to O’Donnell’s blog, she ad-libbed that priceless line regarding Christian’s anatomy placement. As for Matt, I’m so sick of this kid disrespecting his parents. It’s just cruel. The brat didn’t deserve that Porsche; a one way ticket to counseling, absolutely, but not that fine example of automotive engineering.

Veronica Mars
Keith Mars had better be breathing this week, instead of going down for the dirt nap, or I’ll be firing off an e-mail to Rob Thomas. Wait a minute. What am I thinking? It’s Keith Mars, daddy to my beloved Veronica. Thomas wouldn’t dare kill Keith, despite how it looked at the end of last week’s show. As the show debuted this season, we met Wallace’s new roommate Piz, saw Logan and Veronica in a post-coital glow, felt sorry for Dick as he mourned his brother’s death, and watched Keith run for his life. Welcome back to the divine “Miss M.” We’ve missed you. But where was Sheriff Lamb? I’m hoping someone breaks the law this week, so the sheriff can come calling. I volunteer for the job, if no one else is game.

Lost
The most anticipated show return of the season started out with a bang. We learned that while the crash victims have been living like animals on the beach, the Others have their own suburban village of houses, book clubs, and neighbors on the other side of the island. I also learned that I hate the Others story arc. There are so many characters already on the canvas with so many stories to tell, that we didn’t need creepy Henry Gale and his gang of question dodgers. Enough already. Give me Desmond, Sayeed, Hurley, Jin, Sun, Sawyer, Jack, John and Kate. On an up note, Sawyer in a cage isn’t a bad thing. He and Kate proved they still have chemistry. In the sweetest scene of the night, he gave her his fish biscuit. (Awww!) But explain this: Hadn’t Kate just eaten a yummy breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, juice and coffee? (That greedy bitch!) As for Jack, Matthew Fox gave an Emmy worthy performance in his scenes. His flashback to losing his wife to another man and accusing his father of sleeping with her were incredible, as was his breakdown at the end of the show. There is no better dramatic actor in primetime than Fox when he cries. Juliette clearly isn’t human, or she would have reached out and comforted the good doctor after his meltdown. The poor guy left me reaching for the Kleenex.

Smallville
Clark Kent discovered his super breath this week. Well, technically, Chloe discovered it, but I won’t quibble. Clark discovering his powers is usually my favorite part of Smallville, and this one didn’t disappoint. Clark’s super-sneezing was hilarious, too, especially when he faked out Chloe at The Daily Planet. I love that Clark shares his secrets with his sidekick, and I can’t wait to see how Chloe’s relationship with Jimmy plays into all of it. I’m not sure yet about Oliver Queen, the archer, and future love interest of Lois Lane. I want to see him go a few rounds with Sexy Lexy and Lois before I make my final judgment. Overall, it was a great episode and beautifully lit, especially during the Chloe/Lois barn door scene and the final Chloe/Clark scene in the loft. I still contend that this is the most visually beautiful show on television. If you aren’t watching Smallville, you’re missing one of the best and most beautiful shows on the tube. And apparently Clark Kent can now control the weather. So, you know, you should get on his good side by tuning in.

Grey’s Anatomy
Apparently real estate in Seattle is a priceless commodity. That’s the only explanation for several wealthy doctors heading to a hotel, instead of trying to find apartments. The Chief, Callie, Addison and Mark are all living at the same hotel now. George, I’m warning you: With Callie’s tendency to walk around naked, I fear it won’t be long before she and the Chief are sharing more than their medical degrees. Izzie is still in mourning, and she needs to snap out of it soon. Seriously, I can’t take much more. I miss spunky Izzie. And I miss cocky, neck-snapping Burke. Meredith seemed to have plenty of spunk left, though, as she laid down the dating rules to Derek (“McDreamy”) and Finn (“I have plans.”) As for my beloved Addison, she broke my heart during her closet cry. Paging McSteamy. I think he may be just what the doctor ordered.

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New show reviews: Heroes, The Nine, Ugly Betty and Friday Night Lights

Apparently, the networks saved the best shows for last. The latest shows to debut this fall are by far the best of the batch. Here’s a look at Heroes, The Nine, Ugly Betty and Friday Night Lights. It’s a good year for TV, Tubers!

Heroes — If you watch one new show this fall, make it this one. Heroes is so compelling it will keep you glued to the tube for the entire hour. Heroes is the story of people who possess superpowers and are living among us: One can see the future. One can travel through time. One is invincible, and so on. The result is a strong, well-written character drama with moments of humor. In short, Tubers, it’s this year’s Lost. The breakout star of the show is the delightful Masi Oka, as Hiro Nakamura, the hero with the ability to time travel. However, the entire cast is strong, not a weak link among them. Sendhil Ramamurthy is engrossing, as the son trying to solve his father’s murder and make sense of his mysterious research on the heroes. Greg Grunberg, of Felicity fame, stars as Matt Parkman, who has the ability to read people’s thoughts. (Yes, it’s as spectacular as you’re imagining.) And I’m not sure exactly what power Ali Larter’s character, Niki Sanders, possesses, but let’s just say it gives a whole new meaning to the term “split personality.” I’m a little nervous if these folks are the ones destined to save the world, but hey, Clark Kent can’t be everywhere, people. Heroes is the only show this season to receive a perfect four-star rating from Tube Talk. (NBC, Mondays at 9 p.m. EST.)

The Nine — I loved this show, and you will, too. The Nine is the story of nine people taken hostage during a bank robbery. Don’t worry; it’s not what you think. This drama is packed full of rich characters, who we get to know through flashbacks and their actions during the 52-hour hostage crisis. The robbery forces each of them to make choices and, later, live with the consequences of those choices. Tim Daly is perfect, as always, as charming police detective Nick Cavanaugh. (Thank you ABC for getting Daly back on our screens.) Kim Raver, Scott Wolf and the rest of the cast also shine. The Nine has great potential and should be money in the bank for ABC, if viewers will commit. Miss The Nine, and you’re robbing yourself of one of the season’s best new shows. (ABC, Wednesdays at 10 p.m. EST.)

Ugly Betty — Betty Suarez is my new hero. This plain Jane from Queens, with disturbingly bad fashion taste, landed a job in the snobbish, cruel, cutthroat world of high fashion. Ridiculed on a daily basis for her braces, hair, wardrobe and figure, Betty doesn’t crumble. With intelligence and humility, Betty proves to her new boss Daniel (Eric Mabius) that she’s an asset he can’t afford to lose. America Ferrera is endearing and loveable as awkward Betty. Mabius is well cast, too. Despite Daniel’s player tendencies, he seems to have some redeeming qualities. He understands that Betty’s beauty may not be in her physical appearance, but in her ability to be honest, hard working and a true friend. Ugly Betty is filled with plenty of laughs, too, as you would expect. Vanessa Williams channels Cruella De Vil when portraying Wilhelmina Slater, Daniel’s nemesis. Ugly Betty is the most beautiful new comedy this season. Don’t miss it. (ABC, Thursdays at 8 p.m. EST.)

Friday Night Lights — With Kyle Chandler headlining a show, you can’t go wrong. However, if you’re not a sports fan, you may be disappointed with this new drama. Friday Night Lights chronicles the story of a small town in Texas where football is the main attraction. From little old ladies to pushy businessmen, everyone has an opinion about the team. The good townsfolk start talking on Monday morning about Friday’s game, and of course, are eager to share their advice with the new coach (Chandler.) The executive producer has said the show will be about more than football, and I hope it turns out that way. Honestly, I could have used a little less of the game in the premiere and a little more character backstory. But, I’m not giving up yet, especially after the tragic accident to the team’s quarterback that will surely cause tension in the town and with the players. I’m not sure if Friday Night Lights will be a touchdown for NBC, as it’s up against some stiff competition from Dancing with the Stars, NCIS, House, and Gilmore Girls. But if you like football, Chandler, and sports dramas, it may score with you. (NBC, Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST.)

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Lost returns tonight

They’ve battled a “monster,” a Polar Bear, a crazy French woman, their psychological demons and each other. And tonight a few of our favorite Lost folks continue their quest to survive captivity at the hands of The Others.

I think I speak for all of us when I say, “Please go easy on Jack, Sawyer and Kate.”

Lost returns at 9 p.m. EST on ABC.

The folks at http://www.tv.com/ are hosting a Lost live chat at 10 a.m. PDT, Thursday, October 5, after the premiere, where fans can discuss the show with other fans and watch live streaming video of TV.com editors, as they talk about the episode and answer questions. Exclusive TV.com footage of the Lost set will also be available. Hmmm…do you think they have a behind-the-scenes tour of that four-toed statue?

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Veronica Mars returns tonight!

Photo courtesy of the CW network.

It’s time, Tubers! Our favorite plucky detective, Veronica Mars, returns to television tonight to begin her college adventure. And lucky us, we get to go along with her.

Veronica debuts on the CW at 9 p.m. EST, right after Gilmore Girls. And I know you’re going to watch, or otherwise risk angering Tube Talk Girl.

Those of you who’ve never seen an episode of Veronica Mars, tonight is the chance for you to catch the best show you’re not watching. Don’t be intimidated because you’ve missed the first two seasons. The show creators are aware that new viewers may want to jump on the “Ronnie” bandwagon and have made it easy to dive in to the show. (Also, if you visit your local library or video stores, you can probably check out the first two seasons on DVD.)

In honor of Veronica’s return, I’m including some juicy gossip from a recent phone chat with show creator Rob Thomas and series regular Tina Majorino (Mac.) Thomas discusses a possible Tom Welling (Clark Kent, Smallville) crossover, the new opening credits, the aftermath of Beaver’s death, and Logan getting too likeable.

I tried my best to get some serious scoop for you about the new season, but Rob was guarding this season’s plot details like Sheriff Lamb guards Neptune. (OK, bad example.) Here is what I did get out of him:

JENNIFER: Rob, this question is for you. Last season, we had a
death of a major character. Is there anything planned this year in terms of a death? And the second part of my question is, you said earlier, last year, that there were going to be three story arcs this year, instead of the long season arc. Have you planned out what mystery is going to occur in each of those, and if so, can you tell us about the first two, or even all three?

ROB: [laughs] Man, you ask me a lot of really good questions, none of which I want to answer! I'll give you some answers, but probably not nearly as much as you want. We do know what the three mysteries are going to be. And I can tell you that they're all three going to have a very different feel. And, I think most people know, because I've been very willing to share, that the first one is the ongoing mystery of the serial rapist, but I want the second one to surprise people. I don't want to say what it is. I want it to--you know--surprise people. The things I will say is that you will get introduced to the second mystery in the final episode of the first mystery, which is episode nine. And also, I'll tell you a little bit about the inspiration for it, which, I think will only make sense after you see what it is, and if you actually check out this movie. But, Steven Soderbergh did this low-budget digital video murder mystery called "Bubble." And there are pieces of it. There are ways it is set up that I really liked, and I wanted to have a mystery in which, for the first time on Veronica Mars, you start seeing. You see the build up to it, as opposed to just being introduced to the crime, after it.

JENNIFER: The briefcase, is that going to be addressed in the first story arc?

ROB: Yes. It absolutely is. It's going to be addressed in the first two episodes.

As you can see, Rob was tight-lipped about upcoming storylines, but he did give us some entertaining answers to questions about Dick, Butters and others. The complete chat is transcribed at http://goodtv.vox.com/. Thank you to “She” for the excellent transcription. Spoiler phobes, read at your own risk!

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Grey’s Anatomy: McSteamy is staying

This just in… Eric Dane is joining Grey’s Anatomy as a series regular, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

I guess ABC got my bribe.

Thank you Shonda Rhimes. Thank you ABC. Thank you Eric Dane. Thursday nights just got a little “steamier.”

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Boston Legal, Dancing with the Stars and Smallville

Boston Legal

David E. Kelley, why do you do this to me? Why? Adding new characters to a show is risky business. Sometimes it works (McSteamy on Grey’s Anatomy) and sometimes viewers want to gouge their eyes out, rather than watch one more minute of the newbie (Eve on Angel.)

Last week on Boston Legal, two new attorneys showed up at Crane, Poole and Schmidt. Craig Bierko and Constance Zimmer joined the cast and did an excellent job. But the fact is, there are already too many characters on the show who don’t get ample screen time. (Brad Chase, I’m talking to you.) Brad has had little to do the last two seasons and introducing newbies probably means even less screen time for “Buzz Lightyear.” Also, Bierko’s character seems a lot like Alan Shore, only in a prettier package.

The revolving door at Boston Legal has had so many new faces the last three years; I can hardly keep them straight. Enough already. Pick a main cast and keep it, already.

Even Denny Crane seemed shocked that more new characters were being added to the firm, when he imparted this line of wisdom in the opening segment, "Oh, please, if there were new guys they would have shown up in the season premiere.”

Cue the music. Court adjourned.

Dancing with the Stars

Adios Harry Hamlin. The battle rages on between some of the most talented celebrity dancers in the series’ history. It’s a toss up as to who the best dancer is, but my money is on AC Slater, um, Mario Lopez to win this thing. But Joey Lawrence and Monique Coleman are equally talented.

Last week’s episode of Dancing with the Stars was incredibly entertaining, even if the judges didn’t like all the acrobatics involved in the dances. Len “Mr.-Cranky-Pants” Goodman and his fellow judges angrily scolded Lopez and his partner for not following the rules of traditional ballroom dancing. Hmm…I think a little of “Zach Morris-the-rule-breaker” must have rubbed off on Lopez.

And if the dancers precarious moves weren’t enough to keep viewers glued to the TV, Monique Coleman mooned the audience when she caught her heel in her shimmy skirt and pulled it off her booty for a millisecond. And you thought Emmitt Smith doing the tango was the riskiest thing you were going to see that night.

Smallville

Chloe Sullivan was packing heat. Clark battled Zod, who was inside Lex’s body. And Lana may never be able to make a latte again, after a nasty stab wound to the hand. Smallville’s season premiere neatly wrapped up all of last season’s cliffhangers and gave us a sense of where the season is headed: It seems that Clark Kent, by his very circumstance, is, and always will be, a loner.

It also seems that Clark is on the verge of discovering more powers and stopping even more evil; Chloe is on the verge of something with Jimmy Olsen, um, sorry, “James” Olsen; Clark is on the verge of something with Lois Lane; and Lana and Lex are on the verge of getting horizontal any day.

On a side note, why do you suppose all the crazy Krypton baddies have a thing for countries south of the border? First, Fine took his creepy cloning spaceship to Central America, and now it appears the villains that escaped with Clark from the Phantom Zone are zipping around Argentina. I bet it won’t be long before they find Smallville.

Finally, my thanks to the writers for addressing the Clark/Chloe kiss in the season premiere. But, color me confused, as to whether Clark has romantic feelings for our favorite reporter or not. Chloe downplayed the kiss as a meaningless “end-of-the-world” incident and that she wasn’t expecting them to hook up. But the look Clark gave her, and his unconvincing “Me neither” comment, said otherwise. And yes, Tubers, I agree with you guys that Clark looked jealous of Jimmy. Clark seemed to realize that Chloe might actually be moving on, and he didn’t look happy.

So there you have it. By the promo ads, it’s clear that the CW is promoting the Lois/Oliver/Clark triangle. So, I’m not sure if Clark/Chloe/Jimmy will even be a blip on the radar. But one thing’s for certain: I’ll be tuning in each week to see.

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Dean Cain, the face of influenza

Photo: Dean Cain and actress Swoosie Kurtz for the Faces of Influenza

When I think of influenza, I don’t in any way think of Dean Cain. But, that’s all changing, as the former man-of-steel is now one of several celebrities featured in a new ad campaign to educate the masses about the dangers of influenza.

Cain suffers from asthma and is at risk for serious respiratory problems, if he contracts the flu, according to the Web site http://www.facesofinfluenza.org. Check out the campaign and the stories of other celebrities who are involved.

For those of you who are confused as to why I keep posting about Dean Cain, yes, I’m aware it’s not 1995. But, there are just some crushes a girl can’t ever get over.

Those of you too young to have caught Cain’s performance on Lois and Clark, check out some of the episodes on AOL’s In2TV Web site. I recommend the episode Soul Mates, because Dean dressed as a cowboy and a bandit in black tights, riding a horse, is too hard to resist. It’s free, people. So, go!

Photo: Dean and Kristi Yamaguchi for the Faces of Influenza

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Grey’s Anatomy: McSteamy’s Return

I’m not sure if the special effect in the final two minutes of Grey’s Anatomy was intentional or not, but the fact that steam rolled out of the bathroom at the exact moment Mark exited, wearing nothing but a towel and the gifts God gave him, was hilarious. We get it ABC: he’s McSteamy. I’m sold. Now, can he please stay in Seattle? And I’d like to be the first to start a petition that he should never wear a shirt. Towels are optional.

As for Addison, well, I was feeling sorry for her the entire hour as she came to the realization that her marriage was over. Her plan to get over her cheating husband seemed to be working: get drunk, dawn a funky hat and your ugliest outfit, vow to get fat as you consume your bodyweight in backed goods, and finish it off with a night of McSteamy sex with a man so hot it should make you say, “McDreamy who?” But, she didn’t exactly look pleased as the credits rolled.

Dr. Bailey ruled this episode. Chandra Wilson continues to wow me on a weekly basis. I just hope her talk will snap Izzie out of her Betty Crocker-therapy-exercise of baking love muffins. Don’t hate me, but this whole Denny story arc was a bust for me. The fact that Izzie fell for him so fast and went to such extremes never really seemed believable to me, despite Katherine Heigl’s beautiful performances. Nevertheless, I miss tough-girl, trailer-park Izzie.

Alex, you are dead to me. A dying woman in the bathroom? Seriously? And eww. Have you no shame?

Callie, on behalf of thick girls everywhere, I salute you. I’m so sick of seeing women who look like lollipops on television. Callie looks like a real woman. And she’s gorgeous. Kudos to the writers for giving her scenes where she’s dancing in her skivvies and showing off that brick-house body. But what was she thinking talking to her boss in her underpants? Who does that? The normal reaction to your boss catching you in your panties would be to to cringe in horror and frantically grab your clothes (unless your boss was McDreamy.) Callie has a zero-embarrassment meter. I guess we should just be glad she didn’t use the bathroom in front of the Chief.

As for Meredith, McVet and Derek, honestly, I really don’t care who she chooses. Either way is a win. Besides, I’m much more interested in the Addison, Mark, Derek story.

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One Tree Hill and Smallville return this week

One Tree Hill
Will Nathan rescue Cooper or die trying? Which one of the Tree Hill ladies is pregnant? And will Dan stop being an ass? (Yes, the last one is rhetorical.)

One Tree Hill returns Wednesday to answer those and more burning questions. For those of you who haven’t tried this show, give it a go. After watching hours of new show premieres, I can tell you that it’s better than most of the new dramas out there.

Thanks to the CW for these sneak peek photos from the premiere. Catch One Tree Hill on the CW at 9 p.m. EST.

Smallville
Clark Kent, your days left in the Phantom Zone are numbered. The new season of Smallville starts Thursday, Tubers, and I couldn’t be more excited to see how the man of steel gets out of that weird, floating, prison.

If that isn’t enough to entice you, there’s always Lex in leather, Chloe and Clark discussing “the kiss,” and Lois and Martha trying to escape a crashing jet. Is it Thursday yet? Catch Smallville on the new CW at 8 p.m. EST.

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New Show Reviews: Smith, Studio 60, Six Degrees, Jericho, Brothers and Sisters, and Men in Trees

We made it through the first big week of new-show premieres, and the good news is I haven’t seen a Head Cases yet. The bad news is, I haven’t found a new Lost or Veronica Mars either. But, this week, several more new shows debut, so I’m not giving up hope.

As always, here is the Tube Talk ratings guide. The ratings are based on having viewed only one episode of each show. So in some cases, you may want to try out the shows for a few weeks before calling it quits, as they sometimes take a few episodes to find their footing. If a show debuted this week (Sept. 17-24) but isn’t here for review, well, take that as a sign.

Ratings Guide:
Four stars — Do NOT miss this show. Use extreme measures if necessary, including hiding if visitors ring the doorbell, screening phone calls, and bribing a neighbor to record it for you if you haven’t mastered your DVR/VCR. Or just become completely irrational and don’t leave home when it’s on. (Previously rated four-star shows include Lost, Jack and Bobby, and Freaks and Geeks.)

Three stars — It’s good. Catch it if you can. (Previously rated three-star shows include Bones and Joey.)

Two stars — If you’re home with nothing to do, turn it on, but don’t waste your precious TiVo hours on it. (Previously rated two-star shows include Father of the Pride and Clubhouse.)

One star — It’s so bad you’ll want to shut off the TV and write an angry letter to the network that aired it. (Previously rated one-star shows include The Help and Head Cases.)

Smith — Thieves, killers, and eye candy all play a part in this engrossing, action-packed drama. It’s Ocean’s 11 for television, except the storylines and characters are much darker. And these bandits don’t seem to have the same knack for pulling off perfect crimes the way George Clooney and company do on the big screen. So far, the Smith gang is down one member due to a shootout— ending in a chest full of bullets for one sorry lad— and they managed to leave behind a witness who can identify the only female member of the team (Amy Smart, Felicity.) Another member of the group just got out of prison for a job that went wrong. So, they aren’t exactly smooth criminals. Simon Baker and Virginia Madsen steal the show, and I hope they’ll get more screen time. (And a special thanks to the smart exec who gave us Baker surfing in his opening scene.) The entire cast is brilliant, from Ray Liotta to Smart. However, Smith is a risky concept for television, as this is a group of thieves and murderers. That seriously hinders the likeability factor for the characters, which is usually key for a TV show to succeed. I applaud CBS for taking a chance with this daring drama. It was the best new show of the week. (CBS, Tuesdays at 10 p.m. EST)

Six Degrees — It’s hard to believe this dud of a drama is from TV-genius J.J. Abrams, who gave us two of TV’s greatest series ever: Lost and Felicity. Six Degrees and Abrams’ last dramatic effort, (What About Brian), have left me wondering what happened to the Abrams’ magic. Six Degrees isn’t horrible; it just isn’t memorable either. The premise of the show is that a group of strangers in New York City are somehow, by fate, all connected. In the premiere, we met the characters and watched as they tried to maneuver the rocky world of romance and life. Yawn. I was bored before the 20-minute mark. (Sorry, J.J. Don’t hate me.) You should know that not everyone feels the way I do about this show. In fact, E!Online’s Kristin Veitch loved it. (ABC, Thursdays at 10 p.m. EST)

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip —
Maybe it was the hype that had me expecting this to be the best new drama of the season. Sadly, it isn’t. I liked the show. I didn’t love it, which is unusual considering that TV-writer-extraordinaire Aaron Sorkin is behind it. Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip is a behind-the-scenes look at a fictional sketch comedy TV series. (Think Saturday Night Live.) Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford are as charming as ever in their roles as a TV writer and producer, and Amanda Peet sparkles. However, the show, overall, seemed a little slow-paced and a bit flat. It lacks the charm of Sorkin’s signature show The West Wing. Considering Studio 60 is set in the world of television, I’m sure there are plenty of juicy stories to tell. I’m hoping we get to see a few of them here. My fellow critics who have seen the second episode tell me it gets better. I hope they’re right. (NBC, Mondays at 10 p.m. EST.)

---Editor's note, after viewing episode 2: My fellow critics were right. If you gave up on this show after the first week, try it again. The second and third episodes were much better, and Sorkin's signature cadence and pacing are back.

Brothers and Sisters — Calista Flockhart and Sally Field star in this family drama, heavy on the drama. It seems their mother/daughter relationship is strained at best. Make no mistake: This isn’t the Walton family. The Walkers have problems that can’t be solved within the span of an hour. The acting is top-notch in this series, but I’m not sure I care enough yet about the characters to make a weekly date with this one. I was excited that Tom Skerritt was part of the cast, but they killed him off in the premiere. Is it possible he’ll be back as a ghost, because that could get me to keep watching? I was most intrigued by Flockhart’s character, Kitty, a conservative political pundit, and her brother, Justin (Dave Annable,) a war veteran and drug addict. If you like family drama and have siblings, this one may be to your liking. (ABC, Sundays at 10 p.m. EST.)

Men in Trees — Big city girl, reeling from a break-up, moves to an isolated town in Alaska where the men outnumber women 10 to 1. OK, so the concept isn’t fresh. (We’ve seen similar versions in Ed and Northern Exposure.) But, I still enjoyed this show immensely. It’s quirky, fun and a good way to spend your Friday nights. Anne Heche plays famous writer Marin Frisk, who realizes she’s spent her whole life in relationships with men and that she needs a break. The always-perfect John Amos portrays the town’s only pilot, Buzz, and had the best line of the show. “She’s no Selleck,” he deadpanned, after hearing “celebrity” Marin speak at a public meeting. (Any show that pays tribute to Tom Selleck gets points in my book.) Viewers will recognize ER’s “Jerry” (actor Abraham Benrubi) as the town’s bartender. Men in Trees is unsteady in places. The B story of the supermodel-looking gal who happens to be a prostitute is just bizarre. But overall, the show works. Even the title is clever. The name refers to the construction sign Marin spied when she hit town that warned of “men in trees” cutting branches. However, the Darwinian metaphor isn’t lost on the audience. She’s comparing men to monkeys, one of the smartest animals in the kingdom, but still, an animal. Granted, she has just cause, considering her fiancée followed his primal urges and hooked up with another woman. Heche is enjoyable and wacky enough to sell the part. “She’s a crackpot, but I dig her,” said the town’s deejay Patrick. Yeah. Me, too. (ABC, Fridays at 9 p.m. EST.)

Jericho — If you’re fascinated with disaster shows — or Skeet Ulrich — you’ll definitely want to check out Jericho. It’s the story of a small, Kansas town that survives a nuclear attack. The drama unfolds as residents see a mushroom cloud and realize that other cities across the nation have been hit. Panic, fear and unrest hit residents, as the mayor (Gerald McRaney) tries to keep order. Ulrich is solid as the mayor’s estranged son and the reluctant hero. Jericho held my attention, but isn’t nearly as gripping as last year’s brilliant drama Invasion. ( I know, I have to let it go.) (CBS, Wednesday's at 8 p.m. EST.)

**Check back soon for Tube Talk Girl’s take on Heroes, Ugly Betty, The Nine and Friday Night Lights.

What did you think of this week's new shows? What are your favorites? Share your thoughts in our comments section.

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Grey’s Anatomy, Earl and The Office return

Tonight is the night we’ve waited for all summer. We’ll finally find out —I hope— the fate of Meredith Grey’s teeny-weeny black bikinis. (I’m guessing Addison finds the panties somewhere on cheating McDreamy’s person, but I could be wrong.)

That’s just one of the mysteries waiting to be conquered in this season’s Grey’s Anatomy. The show starts at 9 p.m. EST on ABC.

For those of you who haven’t seen the spectacular promo for the new season, check it out here. (I so love The Fray!)



Other noteworthy shows returning tonight include My Name is Earl at 8 p.m. EST on NBC, followed by The Office at 8:30 p.m. To check out the hilarious sneak peek of My Name is Earl, click here. For an early look at The Office, click here.

Also, the new ABC show Six Degrees debuts at 10 p.m. EST.

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Pam and Jim, I never knew

Dear Pam and Jim of "The Office,"

“I’m in love with you. It’s probably not good timing. I know that. I just… I needed you to hear it.”

Sincerely,
Tube Talk Girl

The above words, spoken by Jim Halpert, left me kicking myself this week and asking, “Why didn’t someone tell me about the power of Pam and Jim?” (OK, so Give Me My Remote, you did tell me.) The point is, I should have made time for the Dunder Mifflin gang in my busy schedule during the last two TV seasons, but there were the Lost folks, and the Neptune high kids, and the Smallville gang, and the lawyers at Crane, Poole and Schmidt, and Earl and his karmic lottery ticket and, well, you get the picture.

When The Office debuted, I watched the pilot episode, gave it a favorable review in my weekly newspaper column , and then apparently forgot it existed. Fast forward to this summer. Having heard all the buzz about the show, I decided to set my DVR to try and get all of last season’s episodes. After a two-week marathon of Office episodes, I’m hooked. I just finished watching the casino episode, the booze cruise episode, and the bring-your-daughter-to-work day episode. Brilliant, each and every one of them. And John Krasinski just may be the most underrated actor on television.

So yes, just like Jim, my timing is bad. I’m late in promoting this little show, and I already have too many hours of programming on my DVR for Thursday nights, but there it is. Please watch The Office tonight at 8:30 EST. Finally, on the very day of the brand new season, I can proudly say, “I support Office romances.”

For those of you still in the dark about why this show — and specifically Pam and Jim — have everyone from Tube Talk Girl to Joss Whedon swooning, check out this clip. (You have to wait a second for the ad to play, before the Pam/Jim goodness starts.)

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ABC new fall line-up and contest

Our friends at ABC are offering sneak peeks at their new fall line-up. Check out the links below for clips and other cool information.

I’ve come to expect great things from the Alphabet Network, considering it gave us McDreamy, Sawyer, Jack and Kate, Alan Shore and Denny Crane, Bree, Susan, and the girls, and my dearly departed Invasion. From what I’ve seen of ABC's new fall line-up, it looks consistent with the quality programming they’ve cranked out the past few seasons.

I’m most excited about Ugly Betty and The Nine. I’ve seen a few minutes of The Nine, starring Tim Daly and Scott Wolf, and I have to tell you, Tubers... Oh. My. (Insert expletive here.) It looks amazing.

Brothers and Sisters and Men in Trees also look promising.

In honor of some of your favorite ABC characters and shows, Tube Talk is giving you the chance to win a fun-filled prize pack that includes an ABC hat and t-shirt. Free swag, folks. Does it get any better?

To enter, simply fire off an e-mail to tubetalkgirl@gmail.com with the words ABC Contest in the subject line. Be sure to include your name and physical mailing address in the e-mail along with the name of your favorite ABC TV character and show. Two winners will be chosen randomly, and I’ll forward the results of your favorites to ABC. The contest deadline is October 14. Good luck!

Check out the complete preview of ABC’s fall schedule here.


THE NINE
Premiere Date: Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at 10/9 C
Official Site: http://www.onlytheyknow.com
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/ABCPrimeTime

Cast: Tim Daly (Wings), Chi McBride (Boston Public), and Scott Wolf (Party of Five)

Synopsis: So much in life is beyond your control. One day you wake up and go to work like a regular day. Suddenly a random moment, an accident, a blessing, even a stranger, comes from out of the blue and redirects your life forever. But it's up to you to decide if that moment will stop you in your tracks or lift you up to new heights. Today nine people face just such an unexpected twist when they are caught in a bank robbery gone wrong and endure a 52-hour hostage standoff that will leave two persons dead. When all is said and done, these nine people will never be the same. They will always share the common bond of what happens inside the bank…which only they'll know. And they will be forever affected and intertwined because of it. From the creator of Without a Trace and an executive producer of The West Wing comes a dramatic character study that will keep audiences hooked from the beginning of the bank robbery to the end of the hostage standoff. Taking a twist from Lost, each episode will begin with a flashback to reveal another 10 minutes of the hostage crisis, uncovering why and how these nine strangers are still linked today.

SIX DEGREES
Premiere Date: Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 10/9
Official Site: http://www.u-r-connected.com/
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/ABCPrimeTime

Cast: Jay Hernandez (Friday Night Lights), Erika Christensen (Flightplan), Bridget Moynahan (Sex and the City), and Hope Davis (About Schmidt)

Synopsis: It's said that six people separate any one person from another. Considering the millions of people in the United States alone, it's an amazing thought that we're connected to anyone and everyone by a chain of six. Laura, a grieving single mother, begins the chain. Then to Whitney, the self-made success story who thinks her boyfriend is cheating. Move on to Steven, the artist/photographer who believes he's lost his 'eye.' Follow with Damian, who can't escape his criminal brother's shadow. Then to Mae, the girl with a dangerous past she's hiding from. And finally to Carlos, the good guy with a crush who doesn't know what he's in for. These six strangers are going about their normal lives but not realizing the impact they're having on each other – yet. It's a mysterious web of seeming coincidence and happenstance that draws these people closer to those who will change their lives forever. Even decisions made freely will seem part of a larger design begging the question if there is a greater force at work in our world, guiding us along and connecting our lives. The producers of Lost and Alias create an intriguing tale of intertwined strangers. It's a story that will prove just how small the world really is and how someone just five people away could be shaping your future right now.

UGLY BETTY
Premiere Date: Thursday, September 28, 2006 at 8/7C
Official site: http://www.bettysuarez.com/
Watch clip here: http://abc.go.com/primetime/schedule/2006-07/?clip=108945

Cast: Mark Indelicato, Tony Plana, Ana Ortiz, Ashley Jensen, America Ferrera, William Abadie, Alan Dale, Eric Mabius, Vanessa Williams, Michael Urie, Becki Newton

Synopsis: In the superficial world of high fashion, image is everything. Styles come and go and the only constants are wafer-thin beauties who wear it. Where could a girl who is less than pretty and a little bit pudgy possibly fit in? If you knew Betty Suarez, you'd see how sweet, intelligent and hard-working she is. Few people ever get to know her because in the world of fashion, Betty is the oversized square peg, in the petite round hole. But finally, her looks and lack of fashion sense are going to be an asset. When publishing mogul Bradford Meade hands the reigns of his fashion magazine, Mode, over to his son Daniel, he specifically hires Betty as his son's new assistant - mostly because she's the only woman in NYC who Daniel won't sleep with. Repulsed at first, Betty will win him over with her efficiency. Neither of them really knows the ins and outs of the fashion world, but the two of them are a formidable team against the label-wearing sharks who will do anything to see them fail. That includes many couture co-workers with botoxed smiles on their faces and knives behind their Galliano backs. Executive Producer Salma Hayek and the creator of Urban Legend brings the Latino television phenomenon to an English-speaking audience. America Ferrera (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) and Eric Mabius (The L Word) are the Working Girl couple who tackle the colorful, cutthroat world of fashion head on.

MEN IN TREES
Premiere Date: September 12, 2006
Watch clip: http://abc.go.com/primetime/menintrees/index.html

Cast: Anne Heche as Marin Frist, Abraham Benrubi as Ben, Emily Bergl as Annie, Seana Kofoed as Jane, Suleka Mathew as Sara, Derek Richardson as Patrick, Sarah Strange as Theresa, James Tupper as Jack and John Amos as Buzz.

Synopsis: From one of the headwriters and executive producers of "Sex and the City" and the director of the Academy Award(r)-winning film, "Walk the Line," comes a fun and sexy ensemble drama about finding love in the most unexpected places. "Finding a good man in today's world isn't as difficult as some women think. You just have to watch out for the signs. You wouldn't drive with a blindfold on, but for some reason, women continue to date with one..." So native New Yorker Marin advises a crowd of her devoted fans. Marin thinks she has found her good man, fiancé? Graham, but discovers, bound for a speaking engagement in Elmo, Alaska, that he's been cheating on her. Plans for the wedding come to a screeching halt. Concluding that she really doesn't know anything about men, Marin resolves to temporarily stay in Elmo, where the ratio of men to women is ten to one, and get started on her new book - about men. Marin's subjects are quite a lively bunch. Adorably affable Patrick, an avid fan of Marin's books, runs the town's only inn and radio station. Man's man Buzz owns and flies the only plane in and out of Elmo. Sophisticated Ben runs the town's only bar and has an unusual past. Last but definitely not least, strong and silent Jack protects the environment and comes to protect Marin from a possibly rabid raccoon and, occasionally, herself. There are women in Elmo too. Both Theresa, Ben's estranged wife and former rock musician, and Sara, the town's "working girl," introduce Marin to a whole new way of thinking about men. And of course there's Annie, Marin's biggest fan, who moves to Elmo after hearing about Marin's break-up to reassure her -- mostly by quoting the relationship advice she has learned from Marin's books. Back in NYC, Marin's tough-girl editor, Jane, lends her long distance support, and even braves the ice and bad cell phone reception for the occasional visit. Marin learns that she has been living with her eyes closed for too long. Now that they're finally open, she sees the amazingly beautiful world around her, and for the first time she'll have the chance to stop and breathe. Now if she could just get the raccoon out of her hotel room, this place might be perfect.

BROTHERS AND SISTERS
Premiere Date: Sunday, September 24 at 10/9C
No sneak peek is available, but the cast alone should make you tune in.

Cast: Calista Flockhart, Rachel Griffiths, Sally Field, Ron Rifkin, Patricia Wettig, Balthazar Getty, Dave Annable, Matthew Rhys, John Pyper-Ferguson and Sarah Jane Morris.

Synopsis: Brothers and Sisters is a compelling, new one-hour primetime drama from executive producers Ken Olin and playwright Jon Robin Baitz about the California-based Walker family. In the series, we meet a collection of incredibly intertwined and somewhat damaged adult siblings who embrace one another unconditionally while striving to reflect the perceived perfection of their role model parents. In the days ahead, they will navigate waves of temptation, deception and grief. Brothers and Sisters follows the Walkers through the maze of American life today -- the pressures, limitless options and the struggle to grow beyond our backgrounds into ourselves. Through these fascinating siblings -- Sarah (Rachel Griffiths), the corporate VP who returns to the family business so she can give to her marriage as much as she does to her career; Tommy (Balthazar Getty), the loyal son yet charming womanizer; Kevin (Matthew Rhys), the gay lawyer cautiously learning about love; Justin (Dave Annable), the baby of the family, grappling with war trauma and addiction; and Kitty (Calista Flockhart), right-wing radio host turned TV pundit who has always been Daddy's little girl -- the show explores what it means to be a family in the 21st century, and how these brothers and sisters balance their own lives as they strive to accept their parents as people -- flawed, contradictory and forgivable -- rather than just as a father and mother. The parents are Tom Skerritt as William Walker, the larger-than-life patriarch and president of the family business, and Sally Field as Nora Holden, the opinionated wife and mother to the five Walker siblings. Then there's Ron Rifkin as Saul Holden, Nora's dandyish brother; John Pyper-Ferguson as Sarah's husband, Joe; Sarah Jane Morris as Tommy's wife, Julia; and Patricia Wettig as the mystery woman who could bring the Walkers and their company down. Brothers and Sisters stars Calista Flockhart (Ally McBeal) as Kitty, Rachel Griffiths (Six Feet Under) as Sarah, Sally Field (Norman Rae) as Nora Holden, Ron Rifkin (Alias) as Saul Holden, Patricia Wettig (thirtysomething) as Holly, Balthazar Getty (Alias) as Thomas, Dave Annable (Reunion) as Justin, Matthew Rhys (Titus, Love and other Disasters) as Kevin, John Pyper-Ferguson (Unforgiven, Nightstalker) as Joe and Sarah Jane Morris (Felicity) as Julia. Ken Olin (Alias, thirtysomething), Jon Robin Baitz (The Substance of Fire, The West Wing) and Greg Berlanti (Everwood) are executive producers. The series is produced by Touchstone Television.

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Fall schedule and premiere dates

You asked for it, so here it is: a day-by-day guide to the new fall schedule, complete with premiere dates. Thanks to George Fergus at www.epguides.com/ for his fantastic layout and sharing this with us.

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CW network launch

The new CW network hit the airwaves this week and kicked things off with an all-star launch party and behind-the-scenes interviews with Tom Welling (Smallville), Chad Michael Murray (One Tree Hill), Sophia Bush (One Tree Hill) Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars) and others.

In case you haven’t heard, the WB and UPN are no more. However, most of your favorite shows from those networks have been picked up by the new CW. (Well, except for Everwood.) Sorry, Tubers.

The biggest surprise of the launch-party show may have been the reveal of how One Tree Hill’s Dan Scott spent his summer: apparently at the gym. Did you see the guns on actor Paul Johansson, during his interview with Hilarie Burton? Whoa! Lucas, you have been warned.

For some great photos of the event, check out Just Jared and Wire Image.

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