As the New Year and new episodes quickly approach, let’s take a quick glance at each CW series and choose the storylines which promise to keep us on the edge of our futons:
One Tree Hill: This is a tough one, since many conflicts wrapped up nicely two weeks ago. It’ll be interesting to see how the Brooke-Julian-Alex love triangle develops, but the show really needs Dan Scott to revive his villainous ways—or a new troublemaker to ride into town pronto. Returns Mon., Jan. 18
Life Unexpected: Critics call this heartwarming gem The CW’s “next big thing.” Who are we to argue? You’ll be hooked from the first ten minutes. Premieres Mon., Jan. 18 at 9pm
Gossip Girl: There’s juicy drama dripping from every corner here; however, so many lives will be turned upside down by the imminent appearance of Serena’s long-lost father…and Chuck’s long-dead mother. Returns Mon., Mar. 8
90210: Now that Annie and Jasper have flung their criminal cards on the table, will they walk away hiding each other’s secret? And what drives one of our West Beverly friends to attempt suicide? Returns Tue., Mar. 9
Melrose Place: Well, we know the producers want a more “fun” show, and hopefully that means a lot more Heather Locklear. Wonder if she’ll rip that complex apart looking for her $19-million painting? And is it coincidence that David shares her larcenous hobby? Speaking of David…is he the father of his half-brother? Returns Tue., Mar. 9
America’s Next Top Model: The panel of judges for Cycle 14 will have an outrageous flair, with the addition of sassy Andre Leon Talley and Kimora Lee Simmons. Let’s hope for some fierce, opinionated controversy. Returns Wednesdays in Mar.
The Vampire Diaries: Yeah, just try to narrow this one down! More vamps and witches are coming, along with a werewolf and a crypt full of new faces. But the real mystery involves raising Katherine and those other 26 vampires from their ‘prison’ beneath the 1864 church remains. Is it humanly possible for the series to get any better? Returns Thu., Jan. 21
Supernatural: What’s more suspenseful than the outcome of the Apocalypse? As Lucifer said to his expected vessel Sam, “I’ll see you in Detroit in six months.” Along the journey, the Winchesters make another trip into their parents’ past and also encounter Bobby’s dead wife. Returns Thu., Jan. 21
Smallville: ‘Epic’ may not begin to describe the two-hour movie event, Absolute Justice, premiering on Feb. 5. What began as an ambitious reunion of several Justice Society veterans has evolved into a full-scale landmark phenomenon that’ll have comic book geeks abuzz for years. Details are being kept under close wraps—but suffice to say, don’t make other plans. Returns Fri., Jan. 22
