When the writers' strike ended a month and a half ago, I rejoiced in the metaphorical streets in my mind. My favorite TV shows were returning and I could begin to blow off my homework and social life again so I could re-watch episodes of "30 Rock" four times.
But what I was really in for was a long wait until television shows resumed production and began airing new episodes. I couldn't have been happier when "How I Met Your Mother" returned on March 17, but that only meant that I would still have to wait until April for the rest of my shows to finally come back. Guess what? It's April, and these are the shows I can't wait to see again.
"Samantha Who?"
Monday, April 7, 8:30 p.m.
This freshman comedy charmed me from the first moment Samantha Newly awoke from her coma. Christina Applegate stars as a former bad girl who's trying to make good after forgetting her identity and past misdeeds. Samantha is joined by her childhood best friend she abandoned after gaining popularity, her bad-girl partner in crime who tries to get her to remember her naughty ways and her ex-boyfriend who she still harbors feelings for. In each episode, Samantha remembers a little something about her past and learns a new lesson. The format could get old, but "Samantha Who?" manages to keep it fresh and funny.
"The Office"
Thursday, April 10, 8 p.m.
Was I disappointed in "The Office" this season? Heck yes. But am I still excited for "The Office" to return? Of course. I stuck through "Friends" and "The West Wing" through all their rough patches so I won't abandon "The Office" just because I think Michael Scott has lost all grounding in reality and Jim and Pam are so boring. There are so many things to look forward to in the show, like Kelly and Darryl's blossoming relationship and Angela fighting her feelings for Dwight. And then there's Toby. I really miss Toby.
"30 Rock"
Thursday, April 10, 8:30 p.m.
What have I done without Liz Lemon and Jack Donaghy all these months? I'm really not quite sure. "30 Rock" has become my new "Arrested Development" (Jack Donaghy is my new Lucille Bluth), and the second season was on fire until the writers' strike put it out. "30 Rock" has surpassed "The Office" in comedy and excellence, and it's about time viewers started noticing. Thankfully, the show that brought us the dance hits "Werewolf Bar Mitzvah" and "Muffin Top" will be back in my life soon. My biggest hope? That the Floydster returns to Liz Lemon before she dies and meets a super-cute guy in heaven.
"Gossip Girl"
Monday, April 21, 8 p.m.
I know that I was probably the only one who watched the fourth season of "The O.C." (and people still don't believe me that it was awesome), but I was quite sad when the soapy teen drama was cancelled. And then "Gossip Girl" came to me in all its Upper East Side wealth and glamour. "Gossip Girl" has all the conniving, pretty people that "The O.C." had without Marissa (I hated her). I just hope that Serena gets less boring soon because right now, this show is all about Blair.
"Ugly Betty"
Thursday, April 24, 8 p.m.
Is it okay that I like Gio more than Henry? Because I think Betty does too. And with Henry running off to Tuscan soon to be with his baby mama (or is she?), Betty needs someone in her life who won't get anyone pregnant. This is a love triangle that probably won't go away any time soon, and I'm OK with that. I'm really just excited to have Wilhelmina, Marc and Amanda back in my life. My Thursdays aren't complete without their catty quips and sinister dealings.
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
Contact Cassie Belek at cbelek@nd.edu
