Too Much TV For My Own Good

As the TV critic for the people (or at least the five or so that read this blog) I try to watch as many programs as I can to steer you toward good shows and away from bad ones. (At least in my taste, which is the only one that counts).

Unless it's something that I have a serious interest in, it's usually one-and-done, such as with "20 Good Years."

But every so often, there comes along a show that I have no prior interest in, but manages to hook me. This year, there are two.

I finally got to see the first two episodes of "Ugly Betty," (ABC, 8 p.m.) and I can easily see why critics fell in love with this show over the summer. It has charm and wit. I can't think of a subject I'm less interested in than fashion magazines, yet I feel compelled to tune in.

That's great credit to the cast, most notably America Ferrera as the title heroine, and the clever writing. The scene where Betty tries to dress for success for her first day of work and what she chooses was laugh-out-loud funny.

The other show that grabbed my attention after I watched it was "Friday Night Lights." (NBC, Tuesday, 8 p.m.) While the show does have some holes to it, it rings true with anyone who has ever had ties to high school football, and the writing has been clever enough to leave every episode open-ended, so you feel compelled to tune in next week to see what's next. (Also a trend with NBC's "Heroes.")

I have had people comment about both shows, liking them well enough and wondering about their sustainability (particularly "Lights" - what are they going to do when the football season ends but the school year continues?), but you can make that argument about any show. Right now, I'm just enjoying the ride.

MCNIGHTMARE: In case you "Grey's Anatomy" (ABC, 9 p.m.) fans hadn't heard, stars Isiah Washington and Patrick Dempsey got into an on-set scuffle earlier this week. Washington reportedly grabbed Dempsey by the throat and shoved him during a heated exchange. Washington probably heard the phrase "McDreamy" one too many times and finally snapped.

DVD PICKS OF THE WEEK: This is a shout-out to my brother, Alex, who is a big fan of two series that are being released this week, neither of which I watch myself.

Coming out is the first season of "Everybody Loves Chris" a UPN show that survived the merger and now runs on the CW. It's the semi-true adventures of a young Chris Rock. The other show, which also had its debut season, was "Big Love" from HBO, starring Bill Paxton as a man with three wives.

I never watched "Chris," because of its timeslot, and I gave up on "Big Love" midway through the first episode. I find HBO shows to be a bit hit or miss. Some shows, like "The Sopranos," "Six Feet Under" and "Rome," are terrific. But some of their other offerings I've never really gotten into.

Also out is "South Park: The Hits: Volume 1," in which show creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone select their 10 favorite episodes of the Comedy Central hit. Also included is the original short that launched the phenomenon, "The Spirit of Christmas."

I try to stick with TV on DVD here, but I do want to mention that my favorite movie of 2006, "Thank You For Smoking," came out last week. Writer/director Jason Reitman is perfect in his adaptation of Christopher Buckley's satirical novel, and Aaron Eckhart deserves an Oscar nomination for his note-perfect performance as Nick Naylor, the spokesman for big tobacco.

THURSDAY'S BEST BET: If you haven't given "Ugly Betty" a try, now might be the time. Also, "Supernatural," (CW, 9 p.m.) has built on a strong freshman season. And, for those into guest appearances, Green Arrow makes his first appearance on "Smallville" (CW, 8 p.m.), a week after his alter ego, Oliver Queen, was introduced.

Also, the Mets and Cardinals try again in Game 1 of the NLCS (Fox, 8 p.m.)