Sodapop leaves 'Brothers & Sisters' and I'm okay with that

I was surprised by how much email and comments I received about Rob Lowe leaving "Brothers & Sisters."

I guess I wasn't that surprised to hear about his departure since it does seem like the show doesn't quite know what to do with him these days. Especially because the series is suddenly much more interested in Kitty's political career. They've already almost broken up Kitty and Robert and had them reconcile, so they really can't do that again. He's survived a heart attack and countless Walker family dinners. It seems time for him to move on.

Perhaps I'm biased since I've liked Rob Lowe ever since he played Sodapop on "The Outsiders" (Best. Movie. Ever. Especially if you're in the sixth grade. I watched it over and over again on VHS.) But I think I would prefer to see him on a show where he gets more screen time.

On a scale of one to David Caruso leaving "NYPD Blue," I think his departure is about a one career-wise and on a scale of one to William Petersen leaving "CSI," I think his departure is about a two show-wise. I don't think it will hurt the show necessarily and I would be excited to see Lowe headline his own show (right, as long as it's not Dr. Vegas.)

How are you feeling about Rob Lowe leaving "Brothers & Sisters?" Talk about it below.

Highlights of the Week Ahead

It's gotten to the point on "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" (Monday, ABC Family, 8 p.m.) where I'm actually not just embarrassed but I'm actually mortified for the actors. I can't believe they have to say the lines they say or participate in such ludicrous story lines. Tonight, Grace forms a "Just Say Me" club at school (I don't even want to know) and Mayim Bialik is back as the school guidance counselor (did you get her character introduction at all? Are we supposed to find it funny that she dated a student?). Olympian Shawn Johnson also guest stars.

If I remember correctly, many of you were not fans for Lana on "Smallville." So how are you feeling about Kristin Kreuk beginning a guest star stint on "Chuck" (Monday, NBC, 8 p.m.). She'll play Hannah, a woman Chuck meets on his way to Paris. I'm finding that the Buy More shenanigans are becoming more and more tiresome. For instance, I could have done without the entire Fight Club story line last week. How about you?

"Greek" returns with new episodes Monday at 10 p.m. on ABC Family. That's right--10 p.m. For the first time, ABC has a three-hour block of original programming. Remember when we last left the ZBZ sisters, they feared they had burned down Gamma Psi house. You'll find out the answer to that question tonight. The show really shines in dealing with all the relationships. Casey is keeping the fire a secret from Cappie, which leads to some tension between the pair. Calvin reaches a breaking point with Grant. Cappie is depressed because of the three brothers who were expelled. Rusty is trying to assert himself within the fraternity. And most surprising of all, I'm totally enjoying the Rebecca/Evan slightly dysfunctional quasi-courtship. As I've always said, the show is fun but not frivolous, smart but not condescending and has the most fun pop-culture references since the "Gilmore Girls." This season keep an eye out for guest stars Sam Page as a political aide to Rebecca's dad and Lea Thompson as Cappie's mom.

I ran into TV Gal reader Debbie yesterday and she told me that she's already all set with the Dana story line on "24" (Monday, FOX, 9 p.m.). I tend to agree with her. "24" always falters when they travel too deeply into a characters' personal life. It just doesn't suit the format of the show and always seems wedged in awkwardly. Plus it makes Dana looks so stupid. Really, you're going to let a seemingly dangerous ex-boyfriend from your past stay in your home? It's the kind of trivial story line "24" simply doesn't need. I am kind of loving an off-the-rails Renee though. Are you? As I said in my review, since the show has been around so long, we are well prepared for many of the surprises it throws at us. But I was taken aback when Renee cut that guy's hand off. Who knows what she'll do tonight? What did you think of the four-hour season premiere of "24?" Talk about it below.

If you're like me, you're already totally stressed that the final season of "Lost" begins next Tuesday. I'm full of mixed emotions. I'm so excited for the season to begin but I also don't want it to begin because that really is the beginning of the end and I'll have to leave my nice comfy world of denial. I felt the same way as "Buffy" headed to its season finale. I was excited to see it but also dreaded every episode a little bit. If you want to catch up on where "Lost" left off, ABC is repeating the two-hour fifth season finale Tuesday at 9 p.m.

Okay, do you think we can totally trust Peter on "White Collar" (Tuesday, USA, 10 p.m.)? I think the show played it just right in last week's return. I still want to believe that Peter is a good guy and out to help Neal but the episode left a small little bit of doubt in my mind - just enough to keep me guessing. How about you?

It's still not my favorite part of the series, but I'm very excited to see Neil Patrick Harris as a guest judge on "American Idol" this Wednesday at 8 p.m. on FOX. Also can we pause for a moment and talk about how rude some of the contestants have been this season? I don't get it. Do they really think an attitude is going to get them anywhere on the show? The contestants definitely seem to have become more rude as the seasons have progressed and what's odd to me is that being discourteous has never worked for any contestant. Let's be honest if Simon likes your personality, your chances of getting through to Hollywood are greatly increased.

"Psych" is back with new episodes Wednesday at 10 p.m. on USA. WWE's John Cena guest stars as Juliet's (Maggie Lawson) brother Ewan. It's a fun episode.

What did you think of "The Deep End" (Thursday, ABC, 8 p.m.)? It just doesn't quite work as a series, does it? But here are two reasons to tune in -- Tom Amandes is back as Beth's father and you'll see a lot more of Mehcad Brooks' Malcolm this week.

I wasn't that thrilled with most of the show's last Thursday night. The "Bones" episode that had them investigating the death of John F. Kennedy was seriously lacking. Even with Jason Dohring, I couldn't get that interested in the case on "CSI" and I was highly annoyed that the first "The Office" episode of the new year was basically a clip show. Let's hope this Thursday night fares better. Brenda Fehr returns as Booth's brother on "Bones" (Thursday, FOX, 8 p.m.). By the way, enjoy these new episodes of "Bones" and "Fringe" while you can. Both shows have their "winter finale" next week.

It's the series finale of "Dollhouse" this Friday at 8 p.m. on FOX. Although the episode is called "Epitaph Two: Return," the network will not be airing "Epitaph One" the episode that is on the season one DVD and the first part of the series finale. I agree, it's annoying. I'm excited to see this week's episode but I do feel like we got some closure with the last episode that aired. The show so drastically changed directions in its short run that it does kind of support the theory that many of you had that the original concept of the series was not sustainable. And I'm not quite sure if we lined up all the episodes, it would lead to Boyd being the secret head of Rossum Corporation. But I do agree with all of you who said these last few episodes have really allowed Enver Gjokaj to shine. Let's hope we hear about him being cast in a pilot very soon.

Julie Benz begins her guest star stint on "Desperate Housewives" this Sunday at 9 p.m. on ABC.

That's all for today. I'm back on Friday with this week's familiar faces and quotes of the week. Also we'll talk about what we want to see when "Lost" returns. 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 or follow me on Twitter. Have a great week. Talk to you on Monday.