the round-up, 4/05

My favorite shows have been busy since I last wrote. Let's see what they're up to.

House: Is it just me or has Marc Blucas been stepping up his acting skills since his stint on "Buffy"? Because his guest spot as a Marine last week was almost passable. This week, Cuddy played House (pardon the pun) as she took a stab at diagnosing a pregnant photographer with Maternal Mirror Syndrome. Next week... House on a Plane? Looks kind of gimmicky, but could be interesting.

24: Not satisfied to nuke Valencia, the writers of this clock-ticking drama continue to push the envelope in day 6. First, members of President Palmer's own staff conspire to off him, he's brought out of his coma only to find his VP challenging his authority under the 25th Amendment, an averted terrorist attack causes a radiation spill in San Francisco, and now a misguided retaliatory strike against the Middle East is looming again after just being prevented. Can you stop for a second so I can catch my breath? Seriously. At least Gredenko has finally been "disarmed." (snicker) I liked that part of this week's episode took place at the Santa Monica Pier. I always get excited when L.A. locations are referenced or even visited in the show. It makes it feel more real, like this could be happening right around me.

Lost: Okay, so Evangeline Lily's easy on the eyes, but her character's boring. Kate has two modes: 1) being indecisive about Jack and Sawyer, and 2) pouting. I so didn't need another flashback of her doing a Richard Kimble impersonation. Sawyer had a nice beat this week, though, when Hurley self-appointed him their new leader in Jack's absence. And it was pretty cool to see the smoke monster recoil at the Others' sonic fence. (Although, being made of smoke, why couldn't it just float over the fence? Oops, I'm not supposed to call attention to plot holes, am I?) Last week's episode was better, even if it was a bit unnerving to watch Paulo and Nikki get buried alive unintentionally. And a Billy Dee Williams cameo is always good for something. But I have to disagree with the producers' promises that we should find these characters more sympathetic now. They conspired to kill a guy for his diamonds, and Nikki's greed undid them both in the end. Good riddance. So no more new background characters, okay? Here's looking forward to finally getting some answers about the Others next week...maybe.

Studio 60: Where are you? Not that I haven't gotten by just fine in your absence. You were a star that shined brightly for a brief moment and then faded. No wonder NBC isn't renewing you. You're no "Sports Night."