Patience, People

Sometimes, I really don't get the rest of the TV watching public.

I mean, I've already accepted that most of them don't have as good taste as myself, but what irks me is when they watch shows to change simply because they don't conform to some pre-conceived notion they had of the show in the first place.

To wit, most of the criticisms I've heard about "Heroes" (NBC, 9 p.m.) is that they aren't tying the main characters together quickly enough. Folks, it's only Episode Nine tonight, for crying out loud! Let the producers do their job. If you are a fan of the show, and most people are, then you are already appreciating what they are doing onscreen.

So why not let the show unfold at its own pace? For all the complainers, know that tonight's episode brings several key characters together, and you learn a great deal about HRG and Eden. The best thing about "Heroes" has been the twists it incorporates into each episode that compel the viewer to check in week after week, and tonight's installment is more the same.

"Heroes" isn't the only new show drawing that criticism. This week's TV Guide talks about new shows like "Studio 60" (NBC, 10 p.m.) and "The Class" (CBS, 8:30 p.m.) and how to "fix" them. Why not give them enough time to get broken first?

No one said when "Prison Break" (Fox, 8 p.m.) debuted last year that the gang should break out of prison by Episode 3. People waited for the show to unfold as the writers intended. And it works, at least ratings-wise. (Drama-wise with plot holes and the suspension of disbelief is another story.)

So sit back and have a little faith.

CONGRATS: Macon actor Jack McBrayer, ably profiled by The Telegraph's own Maggie Large a few weeks ago, was listed in TV Guide's "Cheers & Jeers" section for his ability to steal scenes in NBC's "30 Rock." McBrayer's been one of the best elements of the show this season.

NO O.J.: Fox announced it was cancelling both the O.J. Simpson book and TV special. I'd say kudos to the network for finally doing the right thing, but really, it shouldn't have been involved with Simpson in the first place.