CW is last to release fall schedule

     Right in the middle of season finale madnesses, the networks are releasing their fall schedules, handing down decisions on what goes and stays. CW is the fifth and final network to do so, and it also has the smallest number of hours to announce. That's because CW only programs original primetime content ten hours a week, Monday through Friday 8pm until 10pm, as opposed to the eighteen hours other networks program, Sunday through Friday 8pm until 11pm. Given that the CW only  has ten hours to fill, it may seem surprising that four of those hours are new shows, or 40%! Lots to look forward to.

     Monday begins with the return of Gossip Girl, followed by Hart of Dixie from Josh Schwartz (Gossip Girl, Chuck). Trying its hand at a medical drama, Hart of Dixie stars Rachel Bilson (The O.C.) as the big city medical professional who switches gears when she is given a small town practice. So it's like an American remake of Doc Martin. Scott Porter (Friday Night Lights) Jaime King (Pearl Harbor) also star.

     Tuesdays are for 90210 and Ringer, which is Sarah Michelle Gellar's (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) triumphant return to network television. In fact, Gellar plays twins, so it's double duty for the enemy of creatures of the night. Kristoffer Polaha (Life Unexpected), Nestor Carbonell (Lost) and Ioan Guffudd (Fantastic Four) make this certain to be a strong ensemble. Fun fact: Buffy the Vampire Slayer once aired on Tuesday nights. Can lightening strike twice?

     Wednesdays begins with H8R, a new reality show where host Mario Lopez will introduce some normal people to celebrities that they claim to hate. Kim Kardashian and Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi are two of the first up. Sign me up to meet Sarah Palin! H8R is followed by a new cycle of America's Next Top Model.

     Thursday night is supernatural with The Vampire Diaries and The Secret Circle. While Mondays are Josh Schwartz night, Thursdays belong to Kevin Williamson, who is executive producing both series. The Secret Circle is about witches and keeps Life Unexpected star Brittany Robertson on the network. Robertson is joined by Thomas Dekker (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles) and Gale Harold (Hellcats).

     Friday is the only night of the week without new shows. Nikita goes first, followed by Supernatural.

     One Tree Hill has been given a thirteen episode final season, which will premiere in the middle of the year. The Frame and Re-Model are also on tap for mid-season, both reality shows. Hellcats and Shedding for the Wedding are both canceled, and will not be back. Smallville recently completed its ten year run, and will also not be returning,

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Less than impressed with Nikita

     What can I say about the CW's Nikita? 'Lots of potential, slow start' sums up the pilot pretty good. Nikita is a character many audiences are familiar with, having been the subject of a movie and a cable series. But now she's back in an updated series, complete with action and espionage. And, surprisingly for the CW, a lack of teenage angst.

     Maggie Q (Mission: Impossible III) carries the title character in this incarnation, and it's hard to argue that she's not bada**. In the highpoint of the pilot, which was unfortunately spoiled in the trailer, Nikita confronts her enemies in a crowded party, and has an escape plan good enough that she can do so with confidence. What said enemies don't know is that she already has an hook in their organization, besides once being a part of it, but I'll leave that surprise for you.

     Nikita's foes are a government organization that train young people to do their bidding, whatever they decide it is. Nikita was once a member of that organization, but now wants to take them down. Fans of the previous versions already know that. This new series also stars Lyndsy Fonseca as a new recruit in the group named Alex, just beginning her schooling. Lyndsy is a fairly big television star, having had substantial roles already on How I Met Your Mother and Desperate Housewives, as well as appearing in the movies Hot Tub Time Machine and Kick-Ass. Shane West (ER, Once and Again) plays her trainer, Michael, who also has a history with Nikita. The cast also includes Xander Berkeley (24) and Melinda Clarke (The OC). So the new show brings a bit of star power with it.

     I can't put my finger on why I didn't love this pilot. Perhaps when I see it a second time, I will. There's obviously some great driving motivations, and there are a number of twists that surprised me, which I won't spoil for you, just in the first hour. But I will say check it out and make up your own mind.


     Nikita premieres tomorrow night at 9pm on the CW.