MONDAYS

Heroes-One of the few modern science fiction series to gain a strong running, this serialized ensemble piece weaves constantly overlapping storylines into a brilliant and surprisingly believable narrative.  During the first half of this season we met the main characters, nine heroes, two "regular people" in all, and now the season advances as each character hones his or her unique power.  We also have the addition of new heroes with other powers whose roles remain to be seen.

Since no one totally anchors the show, this series is truly an ensemble work, featuring both stage and screen veterans, as well as many newcomers.  Although jumping into the season at this date would be quite a challenge to the newcomer, NBC has you covered.  In having online every episode to date,  and, for those of you lacking an high speed connection, their website has character bios, blogs, comics, and off-site links to everything you ever wanted to know about the show.  And, of course, if asked, I will kindly dish on the ins and outs of everyone's secret powers and storylines. 9pm, NBC

TUESDAYS

American Idol - I tried to stay away from this black hole for quite a while.  We humans are social beings however, and sometimes I just have to watch what's popular.  This week we have 20 contestants (10 boys, 10 girls) vying to make it into the top 12.  There are few standouts at this point, as many of the women seem to be carbon copies of one anther and the men, though individually unique, have no talent.  My early picks are Chris Sligh (who, some say, looks like Jack Osborne, I say he looks like the lead singer from Coheed and Cambria), Blake Lewis (a decorous beat boxer who tries to play against type and gets shot down for it), and  Lakisha Jones (the single mom who is more gracious and talented than Season 3's Fantasia).  8pm, FOX

House, MD - This is it folks, the show that makes time, traffic, food, phone calls, and knitting stop.  Perhaps the only justification for the modern mystery genre, this series features the chamelic Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House, who will stop at nothing to solve the week's puzzle, which is typically a little known medical malady only uncovered by the Holmesian doctor and his team of young hot-shots.  But that's not it!  Using cutting edge set design, cinematography, and digital effects, the series also boasts a plethora of originality, despite its formulaic storylines.

Also, Hugh's pretty sexy and if you stick around long enough you may get to see another shower scene.  9pm, FOX

Boston Legal - Don't roll your eyes just because William Shatner "stars" in ABC's dramedy spinoff of The Practice.  Revovling around the business and private lives of the leading lawyers employed at the firm of Crane, Poole, and Shmidt, BL is the perfect blend of logical smarts and outrageous comedy.  At the moment we have a fascinately brilliant paralegal, Clarence, who cross dresses as Oprah and his alter ego Clarice because he's not confident enough to go it on his own. There's also Bethany, a Scooter-riding little person, and offspring of Denny Crane (Shatner) who also happens to be her constant pursuer (ick, but funny!) 

Candace Bergen also stars as the firm's other senior partner (Poole left during the first season to pursue life as a nudist), and other junior partners round out the group of antic-causing attorneys.  Though the show recently said goodbye to recent Scary Movie alum Craig Bierko, it still ranks top in my book by giving me a good gutteral laugh and still teaching me a little bit about law. 10pm, ABC

WEDNESDAYS

Aside from an extra episode of American Idol, hump day has little to offer me, which is great because I have a night class on this day.

THURSDAYS-Oh, where to begin...

Ugly Betty - An infectious but campy comedy from ABC, Betty is the chronicle of a young conventionally unpretty girl who works for a fashion magazine.  Perhaps the rebellious cousin The Devil Wears Prada, this series still allows you to empathize with the characters and most importantly laugh at the triviality the show satirizes. 8pm, ABC

The Office - Ricky Gervais created the monster when he handed the American reigns to former Simpsons producer Greg Daniels.   At first it was the steam engine driven by Steve Carrell, but with additions to the cast and fuller story lines around supporting characters, this series is as funny as it is monotonous, reflecting life inside a cubicle.  Brilliant. 9pm, NBC

Grey's Anatomy - Oh what can I say!?  This show packs more of a dramatic punch than Cassius Clay when he was 22.  Though the medical drama is questionable, the story of these 5 interns makes great television.  It involves lessons of love, life, family, friendship, lust, career wisdom and so much more.  An amazingly  good show, despite its lack of credibility on paper. 9pm, ABC

Honorable Mentions

• 2 1/2 Men - Mondays, 9pm, CBS
• Bones - Various times, FOX
• The Closer (currently in reruns) - Tuesdays, 10pm, TNT
• Monk - Fridays, 9pm, USA
• Psych - Fridays, 10pm, USA
• Frontline
• Masterpiece Theatre