Who knows, it could be a conspiracy by the Nielsens people to only represent households that watch whatever crap the big three (ABC, NBC and CBS) serve up. Innovative shows on boutique stations like UPN and The WB, (Buffy, Angel, Smallvilleand The Gilmore Girls) serve up ratings so low they aren't even in the top 100, and are negatively balanced with schlocky "family" shows like Reba, and 7th Heaven. And just so you don't think I hate all so-called "family-friendly" dramas, Everwood, while not exactly my speed, is still a "Treat" as the second highest rated (non-supernatural) family-centric show on the WB behind 7th Heaven (unless God counts as supernatural, in which case, Everwood would be number one. It's all semantics at this point), and top 30 Judging Amy is the Thirtysomething answer for this generation (that means I will occasionally get engrossed in the antics of one Judge Amy Gray and her mother, the formidible Tyne Daly).

Most surprisingly, and I suppose it's a harkening back to its roots, but Fox is actually airing some really good new shows that could potentially fill the huge void left by the bowing out of Sex and the City, Friends and Ed this year. Arrested Development completes the Sunday Night Lineup of The Simpsons and not so much with the funny anymore Malcolm in the Middle, and everybody's new favorite guilty pleasure, The O.C., is quickly proving to be the big breakout hit of the season.

This week, tv goes back to airing "four all new episodes" (instead of partially new, partially clip episodes from the last 6 years) of the big shows, and chances are that I still won't have anything to say about them. If I do ever see something remarkable, I'll let you know.

In the meantime, might I suggest you go read a book?