Parting is such sweet sorrow . . . saying goodbye (for now) to Eli Stone

I'm going to miss you most of all, Eli.

That was my exact thought when the announcer promoted the season finale of Eli Stone this Thursday at 10 p.m. on ABC. I can always tell that I'm totally smitten with a show when I have that reaction -- that I'm going to miss a character over the summer. (It's probably no surprise that the last time I felt this way was about a show was Everwood, which was also executive produced by Greg Berlanti. It also probably explains why Everwood is still in my season pass manager. I like the idea that Tivo still looks for new episodes).

I've grown very attached to, as he likes to call himself, America's Next Top Prophet. And every week, Eli Stone improves and continues to find the right mix of visions, musical numbers, George Michael (who returns for the finale) and court cases.

And it is a downright brilliant move to have Eli struggle with his visions and to have him make the decision to have his aneurysm removed. I don't really know where the show can go from there and that's what makes it so exciting. Also I've just decided that ABC absolutely will pick up the show for a second season. They simply have to. I plan to live in this reality until I'm told otherwise (if you recall this is the same reality where dark chocolate has no caloric value. Join me. You'll like it here.)

So when I woke up this morning, I had this distinct thought -- I think Eli Stone is my most favorite new show of the 2007-2008 season. I kind of totally heart it. And then I thought I wonder what everyone else's absolute most favorite new show of the 2007-2008 season is? So do tell by talking about it below.

What is your most favorite (you can only pick one) new show of the 2007-2008 season?

Highlights of the Week Ahead

All times listed are Eastern Time for April 14-20.

Marshall is not happy at his new job on How I Met Your Mother (Monday, CBS, 8:30 p.m.) And the very exciting news is that what you've heard is true, we will soon see a second Robin Sparkles video. Let's go to the mall to celebrate.

Timothy Olyphant guest stars as Samantha's wealthy boss on Samantha Who? (Monday, ABC, 9:30 p.m.). And for those of you who were wondering. Last week, Sam picked up the phone to make sure she had hung it up and that Todd wasn't still on the line. That is something I've TOTALLY done. Have you?

Bones is back with new episodes Monday at 8 p.m. on FOX. We haven't seen Bones, Booth and the rest of the gang since November. And I have to say, absence has made my heart grow fonder. I've always liked Bones but I'm really beginning to appreciate that is quickly making its way onto my must-watch-every-week list. Two things this season have really moved the show to an even higher level of quality in my opinion. I have thoroughly been enjoying the season long serial killer arc (Gormegon). It's a storyline that has organically involved the entire cast. And I've also loved the addition of Dr. Lance Sweets (John Francis Daly) to the show this season. He's the driving force behind some very humorous moments and he's smartly advanced the relationship between Bones and Booth while still leaving me with just enough doubt that there are times when I think he could be Gormegon. This week, Sweets makes Bones and Booth join him on a double date. Good times.

It's the season finale of New Amsterdam Monday at 9 p.m. on FOX and John will wonder if Sara really is the one. Is New Amsterdam your pick for your favorite new show of the season? Let me know.

The Beeper King is back on 30 Rock (Thursday, NBC, 8:30 p.m.) I've seen the episode and it's hilarious. Can you guess what my favorite quote was?

Okay so it appears I was in the minority in thinking The Office was a little too dark and disturbing last week. I'm not saying there weren't funny moments (my two favorites -- Jan dancing to Hunter's music and Jim trying to use the flood excuse to get out of the dinner) but overall the episode made me kind of sad. All I could think was, I want Michael out of that relationship. The good news is that the gang returns to the Office this week and we'll meet the other companies when Kevin and Andy try to win back the Dunder-Mifflin parking spaces Thursday at 9 p.m. on NBC.

As Lex fully becomes evil, word is that somebody dies on Smallville this week (Thursday at 9 p.m. on the CW). I'm thinking it could be Chloe, how about you?

Seriously what is up with the new character Dr. Brenner (David Lyons) on ER (Thursday, NBC, 10 p.m.). I know we weren't supposed to like him but I really couldn't stand him. He wasn't entertainingly annoying. He was simply annoying and it looks like he's going to be here for awhile. Do you think the show just put him there as a distraction so I wouldn't be that upset to with the ridiculous Sam and Tony closing scene (really? An OR room? Do they think they are on Grey's Anatomy?). And what about the throwaway line they used to dismiss Julia Dupree? But the scenes with Abby and Luka were beautifully done and heartbreaking. And right now, they're the reasons I can't quit my ER habit.

Don't forget that Moonlight is back in its rightful time slot Friday at 9 p.m. on CBS. This week CBS repeats the last new episode when Mick learned he could become human again. New episodes begin next week.

It's time to say goodbye (alas, probably permanently) to Canterbury's Law, which ends its season Friday at 9 p.m. on FOX.

What did you think of the return of Desperate Housewives? I'm still so disappointed that Gabby has become such a shallow character. It made the moment where she told Carlos she loved him so much less believable. And if you've seen the previews, you know that Jason Gedrick returns as Rick Coletti Sunday at 9 p.m. on ABC. I really liked the way the series handled the Rick story line last season. That Lynette didn't have an affair but struggled with the fact that she was attracted to another man. I'm curious what they'll do with Rick's return.

That's all for today. I'll be back on Wednesday with this week's familiar faces and to discuss the return of Brothers & Sisters. Have a question? Seen a familiar face? Want to nominate a quote of the week or a topic for discussion. Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com. Talk to you on Wednesday.

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