'Gossip Girl' returns and I'm not feeling the XOXO

Yesterday while I was watching this week's episode of "Gossip Girl" (Monday, CW, 9 p.m.), my husband came into the living room and said, "How old are they supposed to be?" I responded, "You are so over-thinking this show."

If I watch this show as if the characters are actually in high school its not nearly as enjoyable. They have little to no parental supervision; most of their scenes take place with at least one character sipping a cocktail, and they all go through life with the world weary ennui of people thrice their age. Blair would fit right in with "Real Housewives of New York City." As I've long said, if teenagers today are behaving this way I don't want to know about it.

However, if I don't think about the show too much I'm able to enjoy it as the over-the-top campy melodrama that it is. So imagine my disappointment that after being off the air since early February the show returns with a lot less OMG! factor than I would expect.

The biggest problem is that once again the show seems to be in a race with itself. It whips through two major story lines with alarming speed. When we last left Dan he had slept with Rachel, a teacher. As much as I'm kind of over the student/teacher plot line that every teen show seems to have at some point, "Gossip Girl" had committed to the story line. Even as boring as Rachel is, I was expecting her to add something to the show.

The show also whips through the "Chuck discovers his father's secret society" arc. Again I wasn't exactly the storyline's cheerleader but I get concerned when mid plot point, a series realizes they've made a mistake and quickly tries to course correct. Why should I care about their story lines if they are going to discard them so carelessly?

The other challenge the series faces is character inconsistency. I don't really know the Dan that is in tonight's episode. There's one scene (and you'll know it when you see it) that I think is completely counter to how Dan would behave. Also after putting Jenny through the ringer for the first half of the season, now the show doesn't seem to know what to do with her. (Perhaps I should just be thankful that she no longer sports racoon eye make up).

"Gossip Girl" does still have great pop culture references (check out the dig at Jeremy Piven) and Leighton Meester continues to give Blair a depth that makes her more than merely a scheming rich bitch. Her scenes with Chuck (Ed Westwick) are still my favorite part of the show.

Are my expectations for the show too high? After you've watched tonight's episode, talk about it below.

Ask TV Gal

I read that CBS renewed "The Big Bang Theory" and "Two and Half Men" but once again no word about "How I Met Your Mother." Please tell me they aren't going to do what they do every year to this great show. Caroline

Well it is true that when CBS gave multi-year renewals to both "Big Bang" and "Men," the network didn't say anything yet about "Mother." But I'm actually not that worried this year. The show is having an amazing season, it's doing well in the ratings and recently reruns of the show began airing on Lifetime. So I'm officially not panicking.

Is this "Cupid" that I'm seeing teased all over the place a do-over of the Jeremy Piven/Paula Marshall "Cupid" from 10 years ago? Edsonya

Yes it is. It's even from the same executive producer Rob Thomas, who went on to create "Veronica Mars" and has the new Starz series "Party Down" premiering this Friday. In this new version, premiering March 31, Bobby Cannavale and Sarah Paulson take over the central roles of the man who thinks he's Cupid and his therapist, Dr. Claire McCrae. I thought the pilot okay but I remember liking the 1998 original even more.

Highlights of the Week Ahead

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time for March 16-22

I've always found it a little difficult to understand just how Amy ended up sleeping with Ricky and not using any kind of birth control. "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" (Monday, ABC Family, 8 p.m.) flashback to that fateful night at band camp. Knowing this show it probably won't really explain anything and just be downright goofy or disturbing (wasn't Adrienne's storyline last week the worst?). But knowing me I'll be watching anyway. It's all leading up to next week's season finale when Amy gives birth.

The series finale of "Kyle XY" airs Monday at 9 p.m. on ABC Family. I didn't keep up with the show but I know many of you are very sad about this.

I don't think I've been this sad about a death on "24" (Monday, FOX, 9 p.m.) since Jack had to execute Ryan Chapelle. I'm just very attached to Bill Buchanan and his calm, cool, and let's be honest, sexy demeanor. I went into the episode thinking my other beloved character, Aaron Pierce, was a goner so I was simultaneously relieved and devastated by Bill's demise. I was happy that the show paused for five seconds to show that Jack was upset as well. And I still think Aaron could be in danger. Also I'm beginning to think that the President's daughter could be in cahoots with Jonas Hodges? There was just something about the look on her face when she parted ways with her mother after Juma had been killed. What do you think?

Okay so you already know that I'm highly annoyed by the new rule on "American Idol" (Tuesday, FOX, 8 p.m.) that the judges can overturn the voters' choice once per season before the show gets to the final five. The argument supporting it is false (I think Jennifer Hudson and Chris Daughtry did just fine even though they didn't come in number one. Some might say they did better because they didn't win the contest) and the whole point of the show is that it's based on viewers' votes. Additionally it is one too many changes this season -- we have a new judge, the return of the wild card, 13 finalists and now this. But the worst part about the new rule is that it's so cruel. It's not bad enough that the contestants are rejected once -- they have to sing and get rejected again. It seems so unnecessary. Plus don't we all know the judges will only use it if Adam, Lil or Danny get voted off before the final five? Booooo "American Idol." Booo, I say.

How will Sawyer react now that the Oceanic 6 have returned? Thankfully "Lost" (Wednesday, ABC, 9 p.m.) is back to tell us.

It's a little bittersweet watching "Life on Mars" (Wednesday, ABC, 10 p.m.) these days. The show is having some of its best episodes yet. This week Paige Turco, last seen being murdered on "Damages," guest stars in an episode that finds Sam going undercover. Remember the show will have its series finale on April 1 and the entire series will be released on DVD on September 29.

Get ready to say goodbye to "Ugly Betty" (Thursday, ABC, 8 p.m.) at least for a little while. Next week "Samantha Who?" and the new comedy "In the Motherhood" take over the time slot. This week Amanda and Marc give Betty a makeover.

So I'm curiousm did Izzie's diagnosis make the whole Denny storyline worth it on "Grey's Anatomy?" (Thursday, ABC, 9 p.m.).

Idris Elba ("The Wire") is Michael's new boss on "The Office" (Thursday, NBC, 9 p.m.). My guess is that this will take the awkward moments on the show to a whole new level.

Jon Hamm is back as Liz's new boyfriend on "30 Rock" (Thursday, NBC, 9:30 p.m.).

Let me start off by saying that I don't know why I'm still watching "Private Practice" (Thursday, ABC, 10 p.m.) but I am. And since I am I might as well tell you how bizarre I think it is that the show is having Addison head down the adultery path again. It could have been an interesting story line if this wasn't how we were initially introduced to her character. Addison already cheated on Derek with Mark. I don't think we are interested in seeing her cheat again. But the show does have a tendency to repeat itself. I am fairly certain that Cooper and Charlotte and Violet, Sheldon and Pete have the same arguments every episode. But they do keep having some great guest stars. Last week, we had the wonderful Amber Benson and this week we will see Amanda Foreman (Meghan on "Felicity.")

Landry finally tells Tyra he's had enough on "Friday Night Lights" (Friday, NBC, 9 p.m.) and if you've missed any of this fantastic season, it will be out on DVD on May 19.

That's all for today. I'm back on Wednesday with a review of "Better Off Ted," thoughts on "Bones," this week's familiar faces, and more. Also this week I'll check back in on "Dollhouse." 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 Wednesday.