TV

LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - I want you to know I agonize over this list as if it really matters. I fret whether "The O.C." will stop talking to me if they don't crack the Top 10. And, if they do, who will I celebrate Chrismakkuh with? Will "Alias" and I be in a fight? Will "24" bring back Kim to spite me?

So I've made my list, I've checked it twice Well, actually thrice. Okay, truth be told, I've checked my list about 20 times. Good thing I'm not Santa or kids wouldn't get their presents until sometime around March.

Here are my picks for the 10 best prime time shows on network television. Cable shows don't have to play by the same rules so they will get their own separate list and I only picked from shows that are still currently on the air (what's the point of recommending a show you can't watch anymore, why torture you?).

1. "Arrested Development": You already know that I think this show is the most-funny, best-acted sitcom currently on television. But what I've truly come to appreciate this season is the no-holds-barred freedom the show unabashedly demonstrates in every episode. Whether it's a sight gag (Buster in his army suit), a throwaway line to a previous episode (George referring to his brothero) or an oh-so-subtle reference that is never acknowledged (Tobias has a random speck of blue paint behind his ear), they assume their audience is smart enough to get the joke and let it fly from there.

2. "Desperate Housewives": I loved this show before I ever even met it. With a cast of my all-time favorites, the series seemed created to make me happy. But to have the series exceed my expectations, well I simply can't believe it. Funny and mystifying. Tragic and preposterous. "Desperate Housewives" defies easy explanation and that's just fine by me.

3. "Lost": Well, we needed a good old fashion mystery filled with cryptic clues, rabid fan theories, and fearless story telling. Once again executive producer J.J. Abrams has created an unbelievable yet believable world and invited viewers in to take part in the roller coaster adventure.

4. "Gilmore Girls": My girls are back, baby, and better than ever. After a creative struggle last season, the series has rebounded with a flourish. The true sign of a strong show is when its success does not hinge on one story line. Therefore the series could place Luke and Lorelai together, give the people what they want, and still have plenty of drama and comedy to mine.

5. "Without a Trace": The best procedural drama in prime time and the only one that can seamlessly integrate the character's personal lives with making it seem like a clunky afterthought.

6. "Everwood": This fabulous series is proof that you don't need to be "7th Heaven" to have a show parents can watch with their kids. "Everwood" remains a pure delight. No series has so eloquently captured the rush of first love and so honestly dealt with some tough teenage issues.

7. "Everybody Loves Raymond": The only traditional four camera comedy that is consistently and overwhelmingly funny. Now in its final season (sniff), the show has been humorous as ever and more poignant. If you think a show like this is easy to do, ask yourself this question -- why isn't there another traditional family comedy on the air right now that's even half as funny?

8. "Scrubs": The series could make it on my list merely based on the superb "My Screwup" episode that aired last February (that's the one where Brendan Fraser's character died), but this offbeat and often surprisingly poignant show is unlike any sitcom on television. There's no annoying laugh track, no live studio audience, and no mugging for the camera after a particularly witty line. In fact, it's only because I'm always laughing so hard that I know this is a comedy.

9. "The Amazing Race": The product placement is less annoying, the time fillers less obvious, the editing smart and I cry every time the show has a winner. You can't say that about "The Apprentice." The best reality show on TV has made a misstep with casting this season. I know so many people who aren't watching because Jonathan and Victoria, but despite them (and please, please let them get eliminated soon), the show is still a thrilling ride each week. I only wish that CBS would give the show more of a break and pace out the seasons. If not, they might run it into the ground a la "Survivor." People did we learn nothing from "Who Wants to be a Millionaire"?

10. "Joan of Arcadia": I've been gushing about this show all season long. It is poignant without being heavy handed. It doesn't let plot lines drift away (Kevin's accident still haunts his family. Judith's death has long-lasting repercussions). And it's funny without being annoyingly self-aware. In its second season, "Joan of Arcadia" continues to skillfully juggle multiple plot lines while exploring heavy, deep and real topics (religion, God, free will) that aren't typical television fare.

Honorable Mentions

"24" and "Alias": Now calm down, you know I love these two shows, but they both haven't been on since May and really struggled in their mid-to-late season last year.

Shows that I'll Always Love: Just wanted to reach out to "NYPD Blue" and let them know that I'm as loyal now as I was in the first season.

Show I'm Hopeful About: No need to panic I'm still incredibly optimistic about "The O.C.," but so far this season it hasn't been good enough to rate Top 10 list quality.

Show I Expect to See on This List Next Year: "Veronica Mars" still has to prove to me that it can pull off the mystery of the week (who rigged the school election?) with the overarching mystery of the season (who killed Lily?), but the series is off to a great start.

What did you think were the 10 best shows of 2004? Talk about it on the message board.

Quotes of the Week

"Once again the fickle fingers of fate has diddled us." Don on "The Amazing Race." Thanks to TV Gal reader Scott for being the first to submit this very popular quote.

"Margaret if you turn off these lights one more time, I'm going to beat you to death with a fruit cake," Abby to the temporary clerk on "ER."

"First of all, it's not the same thing. Second of all, am I the gardener in this scenario?," Julie to Jimmy on "The O.C." when he tells her that Marissa and D.J. reminds him of when he and Julie were young and in love.

"Is that for Lindsay because she's not afraid to eat in front of me anymore?" Lucille to Michael on "Arrested Development."

"I mean you make me really, really happy." Sam to Martin on "Without a Trace."

Where Have I Seen Them Before?

Mary Paige Keller was Brigid Scofield, the real estate agent who Greg was smitten with on "NYPD Blue." We saw Keller as Andrea Hall the news reporter who slept with Christian on "Nip/Tuck." She was also Zoe's mom in "Zoe, Duncan, Jack and Jane" and Nora Lagasse on "Emeril." TV Gal reader Ken remembered her from "NCIS" this season as the mom everybody was trying to kill.

Mike Weinberg played Tyler, the little boy whose father was sick in the hospital on "Scrubs." He was Wilson's son Billy on "7th Heaven" and the star of the Project Greenlight movie "Stolen Summer."

TV Gal reader Doris recognized Colby Donaldson of "Survivor: The Australian Outback," was Gunner on "Joey." Nat Faxon, who played Kevin on "Grosse Point" and is Milk Shake on "Reno 911," was Bodie.

Stanley Kamel was the shrimp advisor on "The West Wing." Kamel currently plays Monk's therapist on "Monk." But I'll always remember him as Toni's father on "90210" and Amanda's boss on "Melrose Place."

Eion Bailey was Jake the new doctor on "ER." He was Pvt. David Kenyon Webster on "Band of Brothers" (where he also worked with Scott Grimes, who plays the bumbling Dr. Morris) and Cambell on "Significant Others."

Mae Whitman, currently playing George Michael's girlfriend Anne on "Arrested Development," was the foster child who spoke to Sara on "CSI."

Russell Wong, who starred as Tom Chang in the WB's short-lived "Black Sash," was Lt. Kim on "CSI."

One of my favorites, Scott Cohen, Mr. Medina on "Gilmore Girls," Harry Denby on "NYPD Blue," and James Liberti on "Street Time," was the lawyer for Jack's wife on "Without a Trace."

TV Gal reader Sean recognized Kathleen York, currently playing Lindsay's mom and Caleb's ex-fling on "The O.C.," was Toby's ex-wife Andrea Wyatt on "The West Wing."

TV Gal readers Kerri and Annie were the first to tell me that Nicholas Gonzalez, D.J. on "The O.C.," was the narcotics cop on "Law & Order: SVU." Annie reports that he talked a heck of a lot more than he does with he's with Marissa.

TV Gal readers Kim and Robin were the first to let me know that Alexis Cruz, Skaara on "Stargate," was the army private hauled into "CSI" because his fingerprints were found on the crate the dead little boy was in.

All this week's bonus points go to TV Gal reader Jim who recognized Hattie Winston, Margaret on "Becker" and Turk's mom on "Scrubs," was the homeless woman who sang "O Holy Night" on "ER."

Highlights of the Week Ahead
All times listed are Eastern Time for Dec. 13 to 19

Oy, humbug. It's another Chrismakkuh on "The O.C." (Thursday, FOX, 8 p.m.). Seth tries to whip up the perfect hybrid holiday but is stymied by Caleb's secret. But my question to you is this -- am I the only one who finds Ryan infinitely more attractive this season?

Seriously, did anyone think the Donald would pick Jen as one of the final two on "The Apprentice" (Thursday, NBC, 8 p.m.)? He and his sidekicks repeatedly accused her of skating by and none of her other teammates respected her or wanted to work with her. So Kelly's has to deal with a rainstorm and Jen had to handle the emcee of her event not showing up. I would say that this was all orchestrated by Trump himself, but even Donald isn't powerful enough to create a thunderstorm. After the winner is announced (and seriously is there any way Kelly can lose?) there's the requisite reunion which will reunite the contestants from this season and the first season.

Sharon Lawrence is back on "Desperate Housewives" (Sunday, ABC, 9 p.m.). I would like to respectfully request that we never again have a James Denton-free episode. Oh, and speaking of Denton, did you hear that he will be on "Reba" in February?

To the TV Gal Reader Belongs the Spoils

You know the rules. Don't read if you don't want to know.

Okay I've watched the first three episodes of "24." And I won't spill the major plot points here. But I will tell you that it's quite refreshing that the show cleaned house. It is such a relief to not have to worry about what ridiculous way they are going to work Kim into the plot line next (Kim and Chase are taken care of in one throw away line). The show is kickin' it first season style and so far so good. And here are just a few of the familiar faces you'll soon be seeing as Jack Bauer lives out the fourth longest day of his life. First of all, Chloe is back and Lukas Haas, the cute little boy from "Witness," is all grown up as a computer expert who inadvertently finds himself in a heap of trouble. Aisha Tyler takes a break from flirting with Warrick on "CSI" to come help out CTU and Lana Parilla, who we all loved as Teresa in "Boomtown," is also busy in CTU. As we get closer to the show's premiere on Sunday, Jan. 9 I'll tell you more.

Now I know you've heard that Marissa will begin a romantic relationship with another girl soon on "The O.C." But have you heard who with? It's someone we already know.

That's all for today. I'm off to process the Golden Globes nominations (why no love for the characters on "Lost"?). I will be back next Monday with the best of everything television. Also coming in December the best quotes of 2004. Have question, seen a familiar face, have an inside scoop or want to nominate a quote of the week? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com by clicking on my byline at the top of my column.