Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

Are the 'Heroes' really super? Does '90210' live up to its name? And who's winning the reality wars, 'Dancing With the Stars' or 'Survivor'? With the fall TV season well underway, we tell you which shows are making the grade -- and which are falling behind the class.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/greys-anatomy/426427/main' target='_blank'>'Grey's Anatomy'</a></font>

<b>Grade: B</b>

<b>What we like:</b> Call us saps, but we're relieved that Meredith and Derek are happy(ish) at last. Izzie is not insufferably annoying, and we're SO on board with Kevin McKidd as Cristina's love interest. <b>What we don't:</b> TThere's only so much whining we can take. And each week's wacky disasters are starting to remind us of <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/er/49782/main' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>'ER.'</font></a>

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/my-own-worst-enemy/10202897/main' target='_blank'>'My Own Worst Enemy'</a></font>

<b>Grade: C&#043;</b>

<b>What we like:</b> The concept is clever, and it's nice to see <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/christian-slater/66187' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Christian Slater</font></a> back in the game. <b>What we don't:</b> The execution of the dual-identities concept was convoluted and downright silly. That worked on another spy show (we miss you, <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/alias/69699/main' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>'Alias'</font></a>!), but 'Enemy' needs to take itself far less seriously.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/gossip-girl/1341968/main' target='_blank'>'Gossip Girl'</a></font>

<b>Grade: A-</b>

<b>What we like:</b> Watching Serena embrace her inner diva has been more fantastic than we ever dreamed possible. Long live Queen S. <b>What we don't:</b> Thank goodness Blair's interlude with the Duke of Snooze is over. Now please stop dilly-dallying and get Blair and Chuck back together, and all will be forgiven. xoxo!

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/house/113097/main' target='_blank'>'House'</a></font>

<b>Grade: C</b>

<b>What we like:</b> Finally, House and Wilson's relationship is on the mend. And we still like to see how that cranky genius' mind works. <b>What we don't:</b> After last season's breathtaking finale, we expected more from House emotionally -- and we sure do miss Cutthroat Bitch. And why are Cameron and Chase even on this show anymore?

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/lipstick-jungle/1342096/main' target='_blank'>'Lipstick Jungle'</a></font>

<b>Grade: B-</b>

<b>What we like:</b> Nico's hubby's demise opened the door for her romance with Kirby to blossom, and anything that gets Kirby more screen time is a good thing. <b>What we don't:</b> Victory's contractor is no match for Joe -- and not just because Joe's a bazillionaire. Come on, Vic, give a mogul a chance.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/worst-week/10235894/main' target='_blank'>'Worst Week'</a></font>

<b>Grade: C</b>

<b>What we like:</b> <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/kyle-bornheimer/483816' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Kyle Bornheimer</font></a> and <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/kurtwood-smith/66474' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Kurtwood Smith</font></a> make a great team as the hapless boyfriend and disapproving future father-in-law. <b>What we don't:</b> Pratfalls and bad luck are funny ... for an episode or two. Now, all the Murphy's Law scenarios are becoming farcical-bordering-on-ridiculous.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/csi-crime-scene-investigation/132763/main' target='_blank'>'CSI'</a></font>

<b>Grade: A-</b>

<b>What We Like:</b> Warrick's death brought to light the greatest character depth and development this series has ever seen. A touching send off and satisfying resolution, how refreshing. <b>What We Don't:</b> Knowing the show will have to go on without <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/william-l.-petersen/56326' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>William Petersen.</font></a> Can 'CSI' survive without its quirky leader?

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/dirty-sexy-money/1342101/main' target='_blank'>'Dirty Sexy Money'</a></font>

<b>Grade: B-</b>

<b>What We Like:</b> <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/lucy-liu/267831' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Lucy Liu</font></a> seems like a promising addition, even if we can't tell where she'll fit into the mix, or how she'll stay. And the show's good, soapy fun is precisely our glass of Cristal. <b>What We Don't:</b> The high gloss of season 1 has worn off, and we're getting bored with Who Killed Nick's Father? (It's Simon! Duh!)

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/the-amazing-race-13/10321447/main' target='_blank'>'The Amazing Race 13'</a></font>

<b>Grade: B-</b>

<b>What We Like:</b> The challenges have been strong, and we already have a team we love to hate: "newly dating" Terence and Sarah. <b>What We Don't:</b> With the geeks and the old hippies out, we're left again with young, attractive people. Yawn. At least we still have Phil.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/heroes/942757/main' target='_blank'>'Heroes'</a></font>

<b>Grade: C</b>

<b>What We Like:</b> There's less of Maya this season (yay!), and we're in thrall of the newly nuanced Sylar. <b>What We Don't:</b> Future Peter and present Peter's scenes "together" are cringe-worthy, and bad Suresh? Eeew. Hint to the writers: Keep it simple, the world doesn't have to blow up every week.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/chuck/1329189/main' target='_blank'>'Chuck'</a></font>

<b>Grade: B</b>

<b>What We Like:</b> The geek/secret agent is even more lovable and -- dare we say -- sexy this season. And good job on the guest-star casting. <b>What We Don't:</b> Time to turn the volume up and shake up the existing relationships a bit. How about giving Chuck a long-term, non-spy girlfriend?

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/terminator-the-sarah-connor-chronicles/1342122/main' target='_blank'>'Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles'</a></font>

<b>Grade: A-</b>

<b>What We Like:</b> The show got renewed for season 2 -- we're psyched for more of <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/summer-glau/329969' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Summer Glau's</font></a> sexy yet scary Cameron and <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/brian-austin-green/28441' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Brian Austin Green's</font></a> totally hot uncle from the future. Oh yeah, and the Connors. <b>What We Don't:</b> <A HREF='http://music.aol.com/artist/shirley-manson/1082512' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Shirley Manson's</font></a> pinched face. Manson's cooler as a killer urinal than as the pinched-face CEO she's impersonating.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/knight-rider-2008/10202899/main' target='_blank'>'Knight Rider'</a></font>

<b>Grade: F</b>

<b>What We Like:</b> Shiny cars and pretty people are nice to look at. <b>What We Don't:</b> The acting and plots are uninspiring. As for KITT ... what have they done to our KITT? But despite awful reviews and low ratings, the show received a full-season order.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/bones/208653/main' target='_blank'>'Bones'</a></font>

<b>Grade: B</b>

<b>What We Like:</b> Bones and Booth's chemistry survived last season's shocking development (Zack's a serial killer's disciple??), leaving devoted fans hoping there's still a chance these two will ... you know. <b>What We Don't:</b> We're OK with it so far, but the revolving door of Zack replacements is going to grow old quick -- pick an assistant, guys.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/the-mentalist/10235896/main' target='_blank'>'The Mentalist'</a></font>

<b>Grade: B</b>

<b>What We Like:</b> With an arrogant main character and motley supporting crew, the show is positively <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/house/113097/main' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>'House'</font></a>-like. And the show already received a full-season order from CBS. <b>What We Don't:</b> We dig Simon Baker, but it's not a one-man show: 'Mentalist' needs to give those other team members a little more to do.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/my-name-is-earl/165651/main' target='_blank'>'My Name Is Earl'</a></font>

<b>Grade: C&#043;</b>

<b>What We Like:</b> The regulars bring us joy (yes, <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/jaime-pressly/239140' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Jaime Pressly</font></a>'s our fave) and the roster of guest stars is pretty bitchin' too. <b>What We Don't:</b> The show's inventively strayed from the "clearing the list" setup in the past, so we're hoping they can find new ways to shake it up this season as well.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/er/49782/main' target='_blank'>'ER'</a></font>

<b>Grade: C</b>

<b>What We Like:</b> We heart Archie and we're thrilled about Gates and Sam as a couple. Plus, the promise of <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/noah-wyle/77708' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Noah Wyle</font></a> and <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/shane-west/273685' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Shane West</font></a> returning has us ready for the gurney (in a good way). <b>What We Don't:</b> Pratt's shockingly unsentimental exit, Neela's neurosis and <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/angela-bassett/4466' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Angela Bassett</font></a>'s predictably troubled/tough-love chief.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/dancing-with-the-stars/419134/main' target='_blank'>'Dancing With the Stars'</a></font>

<b>Grade: B</b>

<b>What we like:</b> Nothing looks better on the dance floor than drama, and there's been plenty of it this season, notably Misty May-Treanor's injury and sudden exit, which shook up the competition. <b>What we don't:</b> The kitsch quotient. It's campy enough (just check out the costumes!). Do we have to suffer through Cloris' shtick too?

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/the-office/152542/main' target='_blank'>'The Office'</a></font>

<b>Grade: A</b>

<b>What we like:</b> Jam's (Jim and Pam) engagement; Michael and Holly's endearingly awkward courtship; the Angela-Dwight trysts; and the Temp's return to temp-itude make for the show's best start yet. <b>What we don't:</b> We'll miss Amy Ryan's Holly when her stint ends. Plus, the one-hour eps can feel a bit long ... That's what she said!

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/desperate-housewives/379235/main' target='_blank'>'Desperate Housewives'</a></font>

<b>Grade: B</b>

<b>What we like:</b> The jump winningly revitalized the series. Lynette's teen kids and Susan and Mike's tragic divorce give us more great drama. Plus, Neal McDonough is perfect as Edie's creepy hubby. <b>What we don't:</b> Shabby Gabby's a mean mom. We want her to be fab inside and out. And Orson going nuts? Been there, done that.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/90210/10235899/main' target='_blank'>'90210'</a></font>

<b>Grade: D</b>

<b>What we like:</b> Kelly! Brenda! An unseen Dylan as Kelly's baby-daddy! <b>What we don't:</b> Though '90210' was one of fall's most highly anticipated shows, the new characters and their "problems" bore us. Less "I want to star in the high school musical," more "you stole my boyfriend, bee-yotch!"

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/samantha-who/1342103/main' target='_blank'>'Samantha Who?'</a></font>

<b>Grade: B-</b>

<b>What we like:</b> We love Christina Applegate equally as new Sam and old Sam. The scene that juxtaposed how Sam thought she and Regina were dancing with how the judges saw them was too hysterical. <b>What we don't:</b> We're not sure how much Todd drama we can stomach this season. Get back together or break up, you two.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/private-practice/1342108/main' target='_blank'>'Private Practice'</a></font>

<b>Grade: C-</b>

<b>What we like:</b> Addison seems to have found her backbone again. And the medical stories so far have been more compelling and thought-provoking. <b>What we don't:</b> The existing relationships feel stale -- and it's only season 2. How about introducing some nurses or younger docs?

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/privileged/10235900/main' target='_blank'>'Privileged'</a></font>

<b>Grade: B-</b>

<b>What we like:</b> The show not only strikes a nice balance between teen life stories and JoAnna Garcia's twentysomething angst, it does it with heart and soul. <b>What we don't:</b> The tutor's romance with the principal seems far-fetched, and sometimes the plots seem so fluffy they could fly away.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/the-ex-list/10235898/main' target='_blank'>'The Ex List'</a></font>

<b>Grade: C</b>

<b>What we like:</b> Refreshingly adult rom-com (but, yes, there was too much bikini wax talk in the premiere), appealing cast, novel concept. <b>What we don't:</b> We're pretty sure the ex-boyfriend-an-episode shtick is going to make us break up with the show sooner rather than later.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/how-i-met-your-mother/152522/main' target='_blank'>'How I Met Your Mother'</a></font>

<b>Grade: B</b>

<b>What we like:</b> Barney's "awesome" feelings for Robin and the chance that Stella is the eponymous 'Mother' have added new depth to the show -- but it's still the B-Man's womanizing antics that we love. <b>What we don't:</b> The jokes can feel overwritten, but it's all worth it for such legendary lines as, "I have to drop a big New Jersey."

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/brothers-and-sisters/762055/main' target='_blank'>'Brothers & Sisters'</a></font>

<b>Grade: B-</b>

<b>What we like:</b> The Walker clan returns with drama aplenty: Tommy fires Kevin, Holly pushes more buttons at Ojai ... and we're uncomfortably fascinated by the semi-incestuous new love of Justin and Rebecca. <b>What we don't:</b> <i>Another</i> long-lost child? Seriously? Did the writers miss the lecture on originality in screenwriting class?

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/survivor-gabon-earths-last-eden/10319683/main' target='_blank'>'Survivor: Gabon'</a></font>

<b>Grade: C</b>

<b>What we like:</b> Gabon looks incredible (elephants in the wild!), and the show has set up a few fresh challenges so far. <b>What we don't:</b> It's time to get rid of Exile Island. And so far, this season seems like one where weaker, savvier players triumph over the ones who actually contribute in challenges and at camp.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/pushing-daisies/1342106/main' target='_blank'>'Pushing Daisies'</a></font>

<b>Grade: C-</b>

<b>What we like:</b> Olive's stint as a nun, Pigby the pig and, despite the odds, the Chuck-Ned-Olive love triangle. <b>What we don't:</b> We admire that the show has veered into darker territory this season -- but we wouldn't mind a little more of the sugar-coated whimsy and comedy that made season 1 so easy to swallow.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/eleventh-hour/10235897/main' target='_blank'>'Eleventh Hour'</a></font>

<b>Grade: C-</b>

<b>What we like:</b> The science explored -- cloning, viruses, mysterious heart attacks -- is intriguing, and the show has a creepy, noir visual style (it <i>is</i> a Jerry Bruckheimer production, after all). <b>What we don't:</b> Really, television doesn't need another procedural in the mix, especially one as plodding and ponderous as this one.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/fringe/10235903/main' target='_blank'>'Fringe'</a></font>

<b>Grade: D</b>

<b>What we like:</b> Always adorable Joshua Jackson ('Dawson's Creek') is all grown up and brings much needed humor and warmth to this show. <b>What we don't:</b> Anna Torv's two limited emotions: dumb joy or shock; We expect more than 'X-Files'-light mediocrity from producer J.J. Abrams.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/prison-break/422516/main' target='_blank'>'Prison Break'</a></font>

<b>Grade: B-</b>

<b>What we like:</b> After meandering seasons 2 and 3, Michael and crew have a plan to take down the Company, and the show is finally building towards something resembling a resolution (with an actual plot). <b>What we don't:</b> Implausible is too tame a word to describe some of the contrivances. Look, Dr. Sara miraculously regrew her head!

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/smallville/75304/main' target='_blank'>'Smallville'</a></font>

<b>Grade:</b> B-

<b>What we like:</b> Clark is a mild-mannered reporter for the Daily Planet -- and he has feelings for Lois! Can super-tights be far behind? <b>What we don't:</b> The loss of Lex (Michael Rosenbaum) as a series regular has left a gaping hole where a worthy nemesis for Clark used to be. Fingers crossed that the arrival of Doomsday fills it.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/life-on-mars/10235891/main' target='_blank'>'Life on Mars'</a></font>

<b>Grade: B&#043;</b>

<b>What we like:</b> The premise sounded bad -- modern-day NYC cop transported back 35 years -- but the execution's been exciting, and gut-wrenching: That shot of the Twin Towers choked us up. <b>What we don't:</b> How long can this go on (the British incarnation lasted 16 eps) and in the end, will they pull a 'St. Elsewhere'?

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/ugly-betty/762061/main' target='_blank'>'Ugly Betty'</a></font>

<b>Grade: A-</b>

<b>What we like:</b> After a season of missteps, the camp-tastic soap and its plucky heroine are back on track. She's single in the city, while the bitchy characters have dropped a bunch of bombshells. <b>What we don't:</b> Daniel's back at Mode, Wilhelmina's scheming -- and Betty's still a put-upon assistant. She needs to progress, not regress.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/supernatural/422501/main' target='_blank'>'Supernatural'</a></font>

<b>Grade:</b> B-

<b>What we like:</b> They didn't drag out the "Dean in hell" plot -- good thing, because we like the Winchester boys mano-a-mano. <b>What we don't:</b> And we do mean "mano-a-mano": The men are perfection; we even love Ellsworth, er, Bobby. We're not so hot for the gals -- how about one who's not a demon or just kinda annoying.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/the-unit/165553/main' target='_blank'>'The Unit'</a></font>

<b>Grade: B-</b>

<b>What we like:</b> The series traverses the line between the Delta team's high-risk work and their no-less-fraught home lives. <b>What we don't:</b> Often the domestic situations are even more overwrought than the guys' international assignments ... whoa. Can you say "tone it down a bit, fellas"?

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/one-tree-hill/188504/main' target='_blank'>'One Tree Hill'</a></font>

<b>Grade: D</b>

<b>What we like:</b> The jump to adulthood suits the stars, who appear to be more comfortable playing characters closer to their real age. <b>What we don't:</b> But this season has been saddled with too many melodramatic storylines. They're too old for this now, and quite frankly so are we.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/gary-unmarried/10235895/main' target='_blank'>'Gary Unmarried'</a></font>

<b>Grade: D</b>

<b>What we like:</b> Kids Ryan Malgarini and Kathryn Newton have good comedic timing; they often steal the show from star Jay Mohr. <b>What we don't:</b> We have trouble believing Mohr as a sensitive father of two. He'll need to work harder for laughs and sympathy before we wed ourselves to this comedy.

Fall TV Scorecard: Grading the Shows

<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/kath-and-kim/10202898/main' target='_blank'>'Kath & Kim'</a></font>

<b>Grade: D-</b>

<b>What we like:</b> We love the idea of Molly Shannon returning to primetime TV. The 'SNL' Superstar is capable of big laughs, and pairing up with Selma Blair should have been the ticket to comedy gold. <b>What we don't:</b> Unfortunately, the writing allows them no chance to deliver the goods -- or the laughs.