Well, shoot.  I just don’t understand FOX.  TVGuide is reporting that they’ve dropped the drama about the illegal cross-country race after just three episodes.  I was just really getting into it, and then they yank the rug out. 

I’ve always had the impression that FOX just preferred to have the quantity over quality approach to programming…they just throw as much out there as they can and see what sticks.  But this is ridiculous.  Drive hasn’t even had time to stick.  I feel so bad for Nathan Fillion…between this and Firefly, I wouldn’t touch FOX with a ten foot pole.

Dancing With The Stars – ABC – 8/7c 

Clive had no place in this competition.  While the ones that have been voted off so far had no shot at winning, Clive has just been…well…terrible.  I would expect Ratzenberger to be done after tonight. 

Drive – No Turning Back – FOX – 8/7c

Drive is turning into something that I think I might be able to really enjoy.  The time we spent with Nathan Fillion’s Alex Tully in the ‘interrogation room’ last week was easily the high point.  Tonight, we should finally start to get some answers, hopefully, from the drive-in theater.

24 – Day 6: 12:00 AM – 1:00 AM – FOX – 9/8c

FOX says:

Developments involving Jack Bauer and Agent Mike Doyle have CTU operatives and analysts scrambling to gain control of an intense situation. Vice President Daniels prepares to address the country while presidential advisor Tom Lennox participates in a personnel decision that will shake things up.

Expect to see Reed Pollock (Chad Lowe), who Lennox managed to get arrested several weeks ago, back tonight.  He’s got some information that could definitely shake things up around the Palmer/Daniels administration.

The Real Wedding Crashers – Derek & Johnni – NBC – 10/9c

The premise seems simple enough…various couples’ big days are “ruined” by some amusing calamities.  In one preview, a leafblower walks right through the ceremony…in another, the preacher answers a cell phone call mid-nuptials.  I think it has potential to be somewhat amusing, and it has a great lead-in from Heroes.  Of course, Studio 60 and Black Donnelly’s had that, too, and it didn’t do much for ‘em. 

Heroes – .07% – NBC – 9/8c

So this Heroes show is coming back on tonight.  Kinda excited about that.  I rewatched Company Man and Parasite during the marathon on Saturday, and I’ve gotta say, the show gets better the second time through.  I can’t wait for the season to hit DVD so I can really sink my teeth into it.

The promos for the next few episodes really, really got me excited.  The Matrix-esque Peter was the thing that mainly stands out in my mind, though I don’t expect to see that one until next week, when we take a flash-forward to five years in the future.  Tonight, though, according to AICN, not just one, but two ‘characters we met in the very first episode meet violent deaths at Sylar’s hand’. 

Drive – Let The Games Begin - FOX – 8/7c

I’ve gotta say, I enjoyed the heck out of last night’s episode.  Tonight should be no different, as the new show debuts in its official timeslot.  Fox says:

Legal trouble separates Alex from Corinna; John and Violet try to keep their participation a secret from loved ones; Wendy gets used to a new partner; and Winston attracts unwanted attention.

24 – Day 6: 11:00 PM to 12:00 Midnight – FOX – 9/8c

After letting it marinate for a few days, I think last week’s episode was one of my favorite of the series.  We were treated to Jack finally being Jack again, and singlehandedly taking down one of the baddest baddies we’ve seen in a while in the best fight scene I’ve seen on TV.  Then we’ve got the return of Audrey and the evil Chinese guy.  I’m really interested to see where the season will go from here out, since the main antagonist from the season is gone.

Thank God You’re Here – NBC – 9/8c

Even though it got less than stellar reviews last week, I really enjoyed TGYH last week.  Yeah, Jennifer Coolidge was no where near the level of anyone else, but I enjoy watching people out of their element, and I enjoy the think-on-your-feet feel of improv.  And tonight has Seinfield’s Jason Alexander, so that should be a blast to watch.

Here’s what’s up this weekend:

Raines – 5th Step - NBC – Friday 9/8c

Raines is by far the best show on Friday nights…well, the best new show, since Grey’s Anatomy repeats.  I would love to see a Jeff Goldblum show succeed, so let’s watch it, huh?  NBC says:

Raines takes on the investigation into the death of a friend’s wife, then uncovers a web of deceit underlying what appeared to be a straightforward case.

Painkiller Jane – Pilot – SciFi – Friday 10/9c

I was thinking about checking this one out, but the reviews have been unbelievably scathing, so I’m thinkin’ no…

Drive – The Starting Line; Partners – Sunday 8/7c

I wouldn’t say that I’m so much excited about this one, but I’m definitely intrigued.  A crew of racers compete in a cross-country race with a prize of $32 million.  You might recognize the lead guy, Nathan Fillion, from a little FOX show called Firefly.   TVGuide gives it a painful 5 out of 10, but I’m tuning in for the two-hour premiere anyway.  Drive continues in its normal time slot this Monday night at 8/7c.

Desperate Housewives – Liaisons – ABC – Sunday 9/8c

ABC says:

Tom feels threatened by the interest a new Scavo’s Pizzeria employee shows in Lynette, Susan considers moving from Wisteria Lane and a neighbor’s darkest secret is revealed.

We will meet Mr. McCluskey for the first time this week, which is establishing a BIG moment for next week.

Have a great weekend.

Yahoo TV has the exclusive look at the first bit from FOX’s new drama, Drive.  My computer’s not allowing me to watch it right now, but as soon as I do, I’ll put up my thoughts.

Drive debuts this Sunday night at 8/7c with a two-hour premiere.