But we’ve only just begun.

That’s how I feel about the end of the season. It seems like just yesterday that our favorite shows returned because it was just yesterday. And now they are being yanked from us all over again.

I’m not kidding. Minutes ago, I had the epiphany that this Sunday is the season finale of Brothers & Sisters. I honestly thought May 11 was NEXT Sunday. Get out the dark chocolate because I might be spending a lot of quality time in the land of denial in the next few weeks.

Before the shows head off for their summer vacation, I wanted to check in on some of this season’s new shows and talk about how they have been doing since returning from the writers strike.

Aliens in America (Sunday, CW, 8:30 p.m.): I feel really guilty about how I’ve basically ignored Aliens in America this season. Because the truth is it’s a funny, witty, sometimes goofy show with a lot of heart. It deftly exposes societal prejudices in a gentle and humorous way while giving the viewer something to think about. And I’ve basically abandoned it this whole season by not talking about the series enough (bad Amy, very bad Amy). I also think it’s the rare first season show that’s been consistently even in terms of quality and that’s been more than true since returning from the strike. So could you do me a favor and tune in this Sunday? Pretty please.

Samantha Who? (Monday, ABC, 9:30 p.m.): Does the show seem more jumpy to you since returning? Like maybe there’s action happening between episodes that we’re not privy to? Last week Sam goes to Todd’s art show and Todd tells her he couldn’t sell the nude picture of her. This week they’re in a full blown affair. It’s like the show had certain plot points it wanted to hit no matter how many episodes they got to complete this season. And as funny as I think Christina Applegate is and as much as I think the inconsistent nature of her character can be explained away by the amnesia, sometimes the series makes her a little too ditzy (really she wouldn’t know a woman was running for President?). I love what they are starting to do with Melissa McCarthy’s Dena (just like with Scott Patterson on Aliens, I forget I’m watching someone who used to live in Stars Hollow). Dena is getting more confidence and her rapport with Andrea (Jennifer Esposito) is really becoming a great part of the series. Add in the always wonderful Jean Smart and Kevin Dunn as Sam’s parents and I still think this is one of the best new shows of the season.

Reaper (Tuesday, CW, 9 p.m.): Of all the shows, Reaper seems to have benefited the most from its long winter’s nap. The show returned to lay the groundwork for a season finale showdown of the Devil (the always charming Ray Wise) versus the demon rebellion. This is a show that really needed an overarching story arc and now it has one. I also really like what Bret Harrison has been doing with Sam and how Sam has evolved as the season has progressed (I love the scenes when Sam stands up to the devil.) I’m still not sure how I feel about the whole Andi/Sam situation. While I think it was a good idea for Sam to tell her the truth, I really don’t want to see her become the damsel in distress every week.

How do you think Reaper, Samantha Who? and Aliens in America have been doing since they returned. Talk about it below.

Ask TV Gal

USA was showing new episodes of Law and Order: Criminal Intent up through the writer's strike. When will USA be back with fresh new episodes of the series? It seems to be the only show not back yet from the strike with new episodes. Thanks, Dean

Right now Law & Order: Criminal Intent is set to return to USA with brand new episodes on Sunday June 8 at 9 p.m. The new series In Plain Sight, starring Mary McCormack and Cristián de la Fuente, will air after Criminal Intent at 10 p.m. In Plain Sight premieres on June 1. By the way, I caveat everything these days with a "right now" disclaimer since networks are constantly changing their schedules and what is a truth this afternoon may be a lie by tonight (see a few weeks ago when I told you CBS would be airing repeats of The Unit).

Last Thursday during Scrubs they plugged this week's show as "the finale." Not the season finale. So is this it? Are they done? Or moving to another network? Please find out and let us know! Sara

Ah this is a confusing one with NBC choosing its words very carefully. Scrubs is having its last original episode on NBC this Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Dr. Cox tells his son about his day at the hospital in the form of a fairy tale. So we’ll have Elliot as a princess, J.D. as the village idiot and Kelso as the Dark Lord. NBC has longed billed this season as seventh and final season of the series. But the writers strike did goof up executive producer Bill Lawrence’s plans on how to end the series. Since Scrubs is produced by Touchstone, which is part of the ABC/Disney family, it is heavily rumored and highly likely that ABC is going to pick up Scrubs for 15 episodes next season for the show’s final run. (We’ll know for sure when ABC announces its fall schedule at its upfront presentation next week). That’s why we haven’t seen any of the traditional series finale hubbub surrounding this week’s episode of Scrubs.

Was tonight Khandi Alexander's last episode? I always liked her, from way back on Newsradio. If so, I'm sorry she's going. Judy

Yes Monday night’s episode was Khandi Alexander’s last – although she is still listed in the credits for the final two episodes of the season (CSI: Miami has its season finale on May 19). No one has been cast yet to replace her character but I’ll keep you posted.

Where Have I Seen Them Before?

We all recognized Sprague Grayden, Heather on Jericho, Terry on Over There and Judith on Joan of Arcadia, as the friend of the missing lottery winner on Without a Trace. Lukas Behnken was her brother. Behnken was Topher (Hannah’s boyfriend) on Everwood. We also just saw him as the young Jack Vasser on Journeyman. Nikki Deloach was the missing lottery winner. Deloach was Sunny on Windfall (where she played another lottery winner) and M.J. on North Shore.

Gail and CJ caught Daniel Davis, Niles on The Nanny, working as Renee’s doctor in Flushing Queens ‘til Wilhelmina got to him on Ugly Betty. Okay maybe he wasn’t in Flushing Queens but I couldn’t resist the urge to sing The Nanny theme song when I saw him.

Jason Earles, Miley’s brother Jackson on Hannah Montanna, was Shirley’s superdelegate nephew Mitchy on Boston Legal.

Rob Benedict was the doctor inspecting the hospital on House. Benedict was Jeremy on Head Case and Lucas on Threshold but I’ll always remember him as Richard on Felicity.

Joshua and Mal recognized Jeff Kober as the storage facility demon on Reaper. Among his many guest starring roles, he was Rack on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Daedalus on Kindred: The Embraced. Diane also remembered him as Dodger on China Beach.

Sandy recognized Nicki Aycox as the woman whose baby had died on Law & Order. Aycox was Meg on Supernatural, Brenda on Over There, Christina on Cold Case, Stella on Ed and Sandy even remembered she was the first Ellie Brass on CSI.

Lisa recognized Chris Beetem as the doctor talking to Brooke and Lucas on One Tree Hill. Beetem was Sam, the playwright who flirted with Caitlin on Cashmere Mafia and Lt. Gregory Vukovic on JAG.

That was Thomas Calabro, the one and only Michael Mancini on Melrose Place, as Rebecca’s father Senator Logan on Greek. Jerry Lambert, Don on Sons & Daughters, was Rusty and Casey’s father.

All this week’s bonus points go to Rachel who was the first to recognize Lisa Wilhoit as Tina, the student trying to take over USAG, on Greek. Wilhoit was Angela’s little sister Danielle on My So Called Life.

And we haven’t talked at all about how Lucy Davis, Benji’s wife on Reaper, was Lucy on Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and Dawn (the Pam character) on the British version of The Office.

That’s all for today. I’ll be back on Friday with quotes of the week. Have a question? Seen a familiar face? Want to nominate a quote of the week? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com. Talk to you on Friday.

Comments

Greek is a total MSCL reunion!

Jen | May 7, 2008 12:12:23 PM | #

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I think Aliens in America is a wonderful show on a terrible network. If only another network would buy this show and give it some support it would find its audience. Because really, who can resist Scott Patterson? I sure can't, and I dread thinking about a tv season with him.

Lisa | May 7, 2008 12:54:03 PM | #

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Drat! I mean, I dread thinking about a season WITHOUT Scott Patterson. He is simply wonderful in any role.

Lisa | May 7, 2008 12:56:15 PM | #

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I don't watch Aliens in America or Samantha Who?, but I do think that Reaper has improved since the Writers strike. I love all of the character developments, and I think it's better now that Andi knows Sam's secret. I mean, there's only so many lame excuses Sam could tell her before she thinks that he's completely insane!

It's a shame if The CW doesn't renew Reaper, since they have so few "hits" besides Gossip Girl. I mentioned in the Reaper blog that ABC Family should really consider putting this show on their lineup, since ABC Studios produces it. They could pair it up with Kyle XY, one of their highest rated shows, and it has a similar sci-fi/comedy tone to it.

Paige | May 7, 2008 1:20:03 PM | #

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All three of those shows are fan-freaking-tastic. The fact that no one is watching Reaper is a travesty.

Potch | May 7, 2008 1:41:04 PM | #

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I had almost given up on Reaper. Prior to the strike, I thought it had become boring and uninspired. Wow, am I ever glad I didn't. Amy is dead on with the need for an overarching story, and I love the one they've chosen. I love the gay neighbour demons (how funny was it when they played his demonphobia as a parallel to homophobia? Very clever). Now I really hope it gets picked up.

Did anyone else notice that the nurse Benji asked out was Dee from BSG?

K | May 7, 2008 1:53:13 PM | #

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Reaper has really blossomed into a very entertaining and laugh out loud funny show.

The writers have done a great job of using Ray Wise, Bret Harrison and the rest of the cast to perfection!

DL | May 7, 2008 1:53:49 PM | #

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'Aliens in America' is a wonderful show. The fact that Scott Patterson is on it is just the icing on the cake. Love it, love him.

CJ | May 7, 2008 1:59:05 PM | #

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And I'll always remember Lucy Davis as Maria Lucas from the Colin Firth Pride and Prejudice Miniseries.

Jenna L | May 7, 2008 2:06:48 PM | #

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K: The producers of 'Reaper' must have a lot of contacts in the industry since there has been a long list of character actors making guest appearances on the show.

Also from BSG, actor Aaron Douglas (Chief Tyrol) had a brief scene as a demon delivering Sam's contract with the Devil.

Plus we've seen comedian/actor Patton Oswalt; Mitch Pleggi (X-Files, Stargate Atlantis); Melinda Clarke (The O.C., Lady Heather from CSI); Jamie Kennedy; Erica Cerra (BSG, Deputy Jo from Eureka); and most recently, Michael Ian Black (The State) and Ken Marino (Veronica Mars, The State).

I'm sure there have been others.

IDR | May 7, 2008 2:44:16 PM | #

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I missed CSI: Miami. What happened to Khandi Alexander's character (forget her name).

Tracey | May 7, 2008 2:46:21 PM | #

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AMY: I wouldn't worry about Andi becoming a weekly "damsel in distress" on Reaper.

If you've seen the last few episodes of the show, it appears Andi can take very good care of herself.

She's knocked Sam around quite a bit AND punched out an escaped soul before using a scythe to capture it.

The writers of Reaper have done a good job of portraying Andi (Missy Peregrym) as a tough, fairly strong, physical woman who can hold her own when necessary.

Rick | May 7, 2008 3:17:31 PM | #

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I really like all three of these shows. Tyler Labine is always great. I think Samantha Who is funny and the characters are really hitting their stride. On Aliens - just GREAT!!! I don't see Luke at all. I love Franny and I love the way they point out all the social issues in such a sweet way but they really make a point. It is well written, well-acted and really good. Wish it had a better time and more promotion.

Melissa | May 7, 2008 3:22:32 PM | #

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Reaper has gotten so much better, it has found the right 'tone' of the comedy to go with a dark series. The 'darkness' has gotten much more delicious with the demon rebellion, much like how Supernatural got so much more tasty with one going to hell and one maybe a demon child.
As an aside, sorry, SCRUBS is over, they should convince NBC to give them a going away hour (although they've already had one) or just make it and add it to the DVD (they're all gazillionaires now, somebody foot the bill for petes' sake). They could go down in history as an excellent program, or kill their reputation jumping the shark, its a very fine line.

Weiss C | May 7, 2008 4:50:48 PM | #

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I love aliens in america although the show does not accurately depicts Pakistanis e.g.
most teenagers in pakistan wear jeans and tee shirt and not kurta shalwar like raja does and no one were the white hat thingi except while praying and most of us dont do that also,
another thing no Paistanii male is ever comfortable being naked in front of another guy like showed in one of episodes seriously i haven’t ever seen any of my friends without a shirt even.
and the smoking thing well i would say that’s half true, i know no one i my relatives does it but i have a couple of friends who do so
............ anywho but its a comedy and as long as its funny i dot really care about such small inaccuracies ....still love the show and hope it returns and i like Samantha who as well!!!!

Ali | May 7, 2008 8:04:41 PM | #

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I dont watch 30 Rock and gave up on Reaper after the strike. I like Samantha Who, and Amy I to was surprised about the full blown affair. They are ruining the show by moving Sam and Todd together too fast.

As far as the funniest comedy on TV goes my vote is Big Bang Theory. That show is Hillarious.

darrpub | May 7, 2008 8:17:24 PM | #

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Pam is the "Dawn character", not the other way around.

K | May 8, 2008 7:16:57 AM | #

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I totally agree with you about Samatha Who, Amy. The show has changed tempo a bit since it came back. Todd did tell her at the end of the art show episode that he still loved her. But I thought I had missed a part of the show last week when I saw they were in full affair mode this week. Going a bit too fast?

Terry | May 8, 2008 7:17:28 AM | #

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I can't believe season finales are here already either. The fact that 30 Rock ends tonight is crazy (what, have they had 3 eps. post strike). Reaper has just kept getting better since the strike. It's gotten back to beginning of the season goodness, and I just hope it comes back next season.

A-Rob | May 8, 2008 9:15:18 AM | #

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Aliens in America is the new Arrested Development. A funny show with a great cast on a network that doesn't have a clue! I would like to see more, but that is unlikely.

Kevin | May 8, 2008 10:08:49 AM | #

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Personally, I haven't been real impressed with many of the shows since the return after the writer's strike. Although, Bones and NCIS remain stellar. Other than that, I feel like a lot of shows are pulling stunts to appease angry viewers. I am actually looking forward to the end of the season so I can catch up on some TV on DVD that I can't get otherwise, like The Tudors and Robin Hood Season 2.

AndreaC | May 8, 2008 10:38:02 AM | #

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I stumbled upon this video that the cast and crew of “Reaper” lip syncing to Public Enemy (created by cast member Valarie Rae Miller who plays Josie). It's very funny, but unfortunately no Bret (aka Sam):

http://tinyurl.com/666fpm

Carrie | May 8, 2008 2:19:31 PM | #

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Reaper has continued to get better, I hope it is renewed. I really have been impressed with Bones since the strike, they seem to have come back even better. The tv season hard to get back into since the strike. I new favs and some of my old favs are now on the back burner.

Hettie | May 8, 2008 2:52:32 PM | #

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I was fairly young the last time there was a strike, so I don't really remember it. This is such a strange season as a result. It doesn't even feel like it should be the end of the season yet. I hope that the 2008-2009 season is back to normal.

Penny | May 8, 2008 3:02:00 PM | #

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I agree about Reaper. The show has evolved well past the Demon of the Week formula (which would have worn out its welcome by now) and Sam's evolution from scared kid to someone who has the cojones to maybe actually stand up to Satan (!!!) really puts the show in a league beyond what you usually see from CW.

Temis | May 8, 2008 5:02:41 PM | #

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the president thing was a joke - samantha who is so freaking funny.

Laura | May 8, 2008 7:39:46 PM | #

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WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB also ends it's season next Tues. 10 p.m. on ABC.
And no word from ABC on a pick up yet.....SIGH!
I LOVE the addition of GERALD MCRANEY (JERICHO, DEADWOOD, MAJOR DAD, SIMON & SIMON) as Lindsay's dad.
I hope if the show gets picked up that he will return as Martin Boxer.
I hope....I hope......
Sorry, I don't watch the other shows mentioned....just HOUSE...which I LOVE.
HUGH LAURIE ROCKS THE HOUSE!!

Lily | May 9, 2008 12:35:45 AM | #

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Not to be picky Amy (which of course means I'm going to be) but British version of The Office?? I'll have you know that the US Office is a version of the British one not the other way round. The British one came first so there!

I also wanted to say that I'm sure I saw Thomas Calabro playing a doctor on something else this week but I can't remember what it was...
oh and Gus' Dad from Psych, Ernie Hudson, was Bones' Dad's attorney on Bones this week.

Solly | May 9, 2008 2:18:03 AM | #

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Not to be picky Amy (which of course means I'm going to be) but British version of The Office?? I'll have you know that the US Office is a version of the British one not the other way round. The British one came first so there!

I also wanted to say that I'm sure I saw Thomas Calabro playing a doctor on something else this week but I can't remember what it was...
oh and Gus' Dad from Psych, Ernie Hudson, was Bones' Dad's attorney on Bones this week.

Solly | May 9, 2008 2:18:14 AM | #

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It feels like they just threw in these last 3-5 episodes of the various series just so they could say they finished off the season. I just hope NEXT season makes up for this one...it's been pretty much a lost cause IMO since the Writer's Strike started and shows stopped production.

At least there's new Monk and Psych episodes coming up soon...plus more L&O: CI... there's SOMEthing to look forward to!

Dee

DeeGee | May 9, 2008 9:46:47 AM | #

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ALIENS IN AMERICA and REAPER both rule. Once Smallvile is done, I'm not sure if beyond those 2 shows, anything will be worth watching on the CW; although I thought the same last year when they axes VERONICA and GILMORE was done.

Kyle | May 10, 2008 3:21:12 PM | #

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edit...

Summer TV:

PSYCH
KYLE XY
BURN NOTICE <- totally looking fwd to this show!
IN PLAIN SIGHT (new Mary McCormack show, previews remind me of BURN NOTICE)
FLASHPOINT (Enrico Calantoni from VERONICA)
MONK

Kyle | May 10, 2008 3:36:16 PM | #

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IN PLAIN SIGHT

Definitely high on my list. I like the fact that the eps. are supposedly "self-contained," which is great for a summer series.

And, McCormack for me...and de la Fuente for my GF, should keep us both happy!!

General Fred | May 11, 2008 4:29:04 PM | #

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I think the American "The Office" has earned the right to be first in many people's minds since it has about 5 times more episodes than the British original.

I too am sorry the shows only came back for 4-8 episodes each, but I was genuinely surprised they came back at all for this season. It took a lot of money and effort to crank back up, and I'm thankful they did.

Tego Livi | May 12, 2008 11:43:56 AM | #

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