*BLOOP* STEP AWAY FROM THE TV!

Earlier in the week, I mentioned that I watch a LOT of TV. So many shows that you would think my TV set might be prime for spontaneous combustion.

LilRed wanted to know what shows I watch ... let the mockery begin.

SUNDAY

American Dreams, 8pm, NBC - Most people don't know this show is still on the air. But you don't have to be TOO good to stay on the air Sunday nights. It's a family drama set in the 60s that touches on all the major issues. War, politics, religion, racism, sexism, homosexuality, abortion, pre-marital sex, babies out of wedlock ... and Bandstand. LISBF refers to it as one of my "weepy" shows. I usually cry at least once an episode.

Desperate Housewives, 9pm ABC - It's quirky. It's campy. It's salacious. The characters are shallow and back-stabbing, the plots are devious and shocking. It completely exploits life in suburbia. I love it.

MONDAY

Everwood, 9pm, WB - Another one of my weepy shows. The two young actors carry this drama so well. While the background is filled in with a small western town populated with peculiar personalities, don't be fooled. Each character is moving through grief, and they grow and heal together. *tear*

24, 9pm, FOX - Best show on television. And Kiefer is OH SO cute and cuddley!

Medium, 10pm, NBC - New to the line up. And I gotta say ... meh. Not sure how long this one will last. The concept is intriguing, but the acting is wooden and the dialogue trite. "Aw, put your big bug eyes back in your head." Say what?

TUESDAY

Gilmore Girls, 8pm, WB - This is probably my favorite show to watch. The mother/daughter relationship is explored to the nth degree. Lorelai's relationship with her own mother is strained, but she shares a close bond with her daughter, Rory. The eccentric small town of Stars Hollow (a roving troubadour!) provides more than enough material for writers to mine for every-day-life storylines. TV Guide declared it the "Best Show You're Not Watching." I wholeheartedly agree.

Amazing Race, 9pm, CBS - The thing I love about this reality show is that the participants come in with pre-existing relationships. Plus, I love to travel and it's fun to see the world, even via the tube. Amazing how competition brings out the ugly, arrogant American, eh? With Gus and Hera out of the picture, I'm rooting for Kris and Jon. They're the only two who haven't been devious or snarky to anyone else ... or each other. PS... Victoria, honey, Jonathan's an abuser. You need to drop kick that dick. Now.

Judging Amy, 10pm, CBS - I used to love it, but recently it's gotten weird. I adore the character of Maxine. Strong, independent, willful ... and breakable. It has always bothered me that the writers make Amy smart at work and dumb at home. And in the preview for next episode she announces she's pregnant. WTF?

NYPD Blue, 10pm, ABC - This one is more LISBF's than mine. They introduced a new lieutenant this year ... a hard-hitting, by-the-books kind of guy. Turns out, he's gay. A hard-ass macho gay cop? Nice.

WEDNESDAY

Lost, 8pm, ABC - A bunch of conflicting personalities not only forced to live together, but forced to help one another SURVIVE. The intrigue just keeps piling on... Why did the psychic make Claire get on the plane? Why was Jack seeing his dead father walking around? Why can the old guy suddenly walk? What's eating everybody in the jungle? What did Kate DO? Life on the island is intercut with fascinating flashbacks into each character's past. Unfortunately, I screwed up the VCR taping this week (I know, I know, get TiVo) so I missed this week's episode.

West Wing, 9pm, NBC - They almost lost me last season, but this season WW is back with a vengeance. The fight for the White House is on, pitting two of my favorite characters against each other ... Josh and Will. I love CJ as the chief of staff and Karen Chenowith as the sassy deputy communications director was a great addition to the cast.

THURSDAY

The Apprentice, 9pm, NBC - I watched the first two seasons off and on ... enough for it to make the list. I got a thrill out of watching the catty bitches last season. The next Apprentice pits Book Smarts against Street Smarts. Could be interesting.

ER, 10pm, NBC - Am I the only one still watching this show? It jumped the shark about four seasons ago, IMO. But I've been with it since the beginning. And with Noah Wyle's departure at the end of this season, next year could be the last. I just can't quit on it now.

FRIDAY

Joan of Arcadia, 8pm, CBS - As a recovering Catholic, I am fascinated by the dissection of a nonbeliever's relationship with God. Nods to scripture are abundant, but subtle. A true family drama. Hardships that show life is not fair. A star with some hips on her. Every episode has a "moral of the story" though it's not delivered in heavy-handed Touched by an Angel fashion. It's the last of my weepy shows ... with good reason!

Six Feet Under - LISBF and I just blow threw an entire season of DVDs as soon as they're released ... how long till season three???

WHEW! Uh-oh, do I count more than 11??? YIKES! Now before anyone goes a-judging. I do a lot of other stuff with my life, too. As previously mentioned, I'm an avid reader, a committed volunteer, a pott'ry student, a member of a comedy improv troupe ... WAIT! Gotta run ... Oprah's on!