TV

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Quotes of the Week

"Mom, I guarantee you -- none of my friends prance." Claire to her mom on "Six Feet Under."

"David, if you were any more controlled, you'd be a sculpture." Claire (it was a good week for her quip comments) to her brother on "Six Feet Under."

"You know how you get with garage sales. You would have sold the kids if I hadn't hid them in the basement," Abby to Jackson on "The Days."

Where Have I Seen Them Before?

That was Enrico Colantoni, Elliot on "Just Shoot Me," as the disgraced and then redeemed ex-cop on "Monk." We'll soon see Colantoni in UPN's new series "Veronica Mars," which I have to tell you is pretty good. Any series that references "The Outsiders" and Sodapop in its pilot obviously has a lot of potential.

Mary Page Keller, Zoe's mom in "Zoe, Duncan, Jack and Jane," was the news reporter Christian slept with (imagine that) on "Nip/Tuck."

Joe Lando, Sully on "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," was Susannah's mysterious stranger on "Summerland." Highlights of the Week Ahead
All times listed are Eastern Time for the week of Aug. 9 to 15

Probably in an effort to wrap things up before the Olympics begin, many reality shows are having their finales this week. Now I have to admit that I didn't watch the early episodes of "Last Comic Standing" (Tuesday, NBC, 8 p.m.) because I get so embarrassed for the comics when they are not funny or their routine falls flat. Thankfully, I don't see that being a problem for the three remaining contestants. These guys know their stuff (although I would have loved for Kathleen Madigan to still be in the game). Since there's no way three comics can fill two hours, look for Tuesday night's show to be filled with reunions, bad auditions and loads of flashbacks. On Thursday (NBC, 9 p.m.), we'll find out who gets the last laugh. I'm rooting for Alonzo Bodden, how about you?

It's down to Natalie and Marissa on the finale of "Outback Jack" (Tuesday, TBS, 9 p.m.).

The jig will be up for Tim and Amanda on the season finale of "Joe Schmo 2" (Tuesday, Spike TV, 9 p.m.). I'd like to think that if I were on this show I would be savvy like Ingrid and would have figured the ruse out by now. Seriously, you think the "pearl necklace" eviction ceremony would have given things away by now.

Now you know I love, love, love "Summerland" (Tuesday, WB, 9 p.m.). But why do they keep putting the ever fabulous Merrin Dungey is such unflattering outfits. That is so not the Aaron Spelling way. Also can anyone tell me why we always see Ava's bra in every getup she puts on?

Really what is with the wimpy men on "Amazing Race" (Tuesday, CBS, 10 p.m.). Brandon and Colin made their beloveds eat the nasty caviar (just do the math and you know those ladies had smaller stomachs than their beaus) and usually sit back while their girlfriends do the hard challenges. Too bad the Bowling Moms don't have Paris and Nicole, experts at bumming money off strangers, to help them this week.

Who needs the Emmys when you have "The 2004 Teen Choice Awards" (Wednesday, FOX, 8 p.m.)? Lenny Kravtiz, blink-182, JoJo, and my new favorite star Ashlee Simpson perform at the annual FOX fete. The show, which will certainly not be simple, is hosted by Paris and Nicole (really are their last names necessary?). Also look for appearances from the cast of "The O.C.," Drew Barrymore, Paula Abdul, Britney Spears, Chris Pratt, Gregory Smith, and Diana DeGarmo. The award show was held Sunday night so we already know the winners. Suffice to say our friends from Orange County did very well.

Please tell me you've been watching "Rescue Me" (Wednesday, FX, 10 p.m.). This week Sheila (Callie Thorne) makes a pass at Tommy. Not that I can blame her (I'm on the "Dennis Leary is incredibly sexy" bandwagon), but dating the cousin of your deceased husband can't be a healthy choice.

My absolute favorite thing about the Olympics is that right now, as you read this, most of us have no idea who any of the athletes are. But in two weeks we'll be referring to them by their first name and telling their life story as if it is our own. The Summer Games kick off in Athens this Friday with the Opening Ceremony (NBC, 8 p.m.). Since the merge of NBC and Universal studios, there are like a gazillion channels to catch every sport imaginable on.

Thankfully, I think the days of Mr. Monk and the Bumbling Detectives and the Ditzy Blonde are behind us on "Monk" (Friday, USA, 10 p.m.). You know that my pet peeve with this show is that the writers not only make Sharona unlucky in love, they make her stupid in love. I say let's get her a boyfriend that's worthy of her. I'm still rooting for Lt. Randall Disher.

Really Dawn, what would Buffy say? I think we should start calling the show "Sex Feet Under." I'm not quite sure what to think about everybody sleeping with everybody else, but after hitting a depressing nadir with the David in danger episode, the series is coming back to life. That's in large part due to the fabulous Michael C. Hall. His convincing portrayal of David's post-trauma recovery has been heartbreaking. And I'm always thrilled when a series doesn't wrap up a devastating problem like this by the next episode.

Now I know a lot of you really like "The Days" (Sunday, ABC, 10 p.m.), but I don't want you to get too attached. There's a better chance that Sydney will start going undercover in flannel shirts and frumpy overalls on "Alias," than the alphabet network bringing this show back in the fall.

To the TV Gal Reader Belongs the Spoils

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

From what I understand, "Gilmore Girls" will pick up exactly where it left off when the season returns. No summer trips to Europe this year.

While we're waiting to exhale about the upcoming seasons of two of our favorite shows, some casting has been announced. Shohreh Aghdashloo, Academy Award nominee for "House of Sand and Fog," will guest star on "24" next season and Angela Bassett will be on "Alias."

He's back on the set of "Will & Grace," but Eric McCormack will soon pop up on "Dead Like Me" as a reality television show producer who begins a romance with Daisy (Laura Harris).

Liz Vassey (who we loved on "The Tick") is joining the cast of "Tru Calling." She'll play a psychologist who becomes friends with Davis. We'll have to wait until the show's second season premiere on Thursday, Nov. 4 to see if Vassey's super powers will help this show.

When "The L Word" returns next season, Holland Taylor will be back as Peggy Peabody and we'll meet Peabody's lesbian daughter played by Rachel Shelley.

And since we've all come clean with our addiction to "Degrassi: The Next Generation" (don't try to fight it, just accept), I now you want to know that beginning on August 27, the N is debuting "Degrassi: Unscripted" which will give fans a behind the scenes look at five stars of the series. First up is Miriam McDonald who plays Emma. During the special, viewers will also get a peak at the fourth season, which the N tells me will explore issues including sexuality, mental illness, self-esteem and violence

That's all for today. 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.