Sunday

The best and worst of the 2008 TV season

By Frank Pittarese

Valentine (CW, 8 pm) is the only new show worth mentioning, and that's because it received so little advance promotion, I was unaware it existed until now—and I watch at least four shows on the CW. It appears to be about a family of Greek gods, the Valentines, who help...people...fall...in...lzzzzz. Huh? What happened? Sorry, I must have dozed off. This show sounds like The Charmings and Cupid had a baby, then left it on the CW's doorstep for safekeeping. If you remember either of those shows, I might love you a little. And if you choose to skip Valentine, no worries. There's better candy at the store.

Prediction: Gone by mid-season.

Recommendations: The Amazing Race (CBS, 8 pm) is still a thrill ride. It's probably the only reality show where there are no showmances or vote-off betrayals. It's all about speed, skill, and playing the game. Want to laugh? Family Guy (Fox, 9 pm) is still going strong. On the whole, it's funnier than The Simpsons, which lost its glow a good four or five years ago. Interested in watching a bunch of Hollywood hags behave like complete monsters? Desperate Housewives is back. Really.