When The CW recently gave early 2010-11 renewals to five series, two dramas were conspicuously missing from the list—Monday favorites One Tree Hill and Life Unexpected.   Last night reaffirmed why fans are lobbying hard for both to return this fall.  Zap2it calls the Tree Hill winter finale “one of the best episodes the show has produced in years,” particularly the scenes involving Bethany Joy Galeotti (Haley) and Bess Armstrong (her dying mother).  “They really have marvelous acting chemistry, and this story has given Galeotti a chance to shine.”  After seven years, this cast—perhaps more than any other on the network—does feel like a part of the family, and it’s easy to relate to their emotional struggles.  Later, Life Unexpected ramped up the friction with another strong outing.  Whether it was Lux and Bug, or Cate and Ryan/Baze, simmering feuds boiled over to really shift the relationship dynamics…and the upcoming preview looks downright explosive.  Even pitted against the Olympics juggernaut, the two series combined to draw nearly 20% more viewers than the prior week, The CW notes.  Wednesday encores of Life Unexpected have also performed well; and with Gossip Girl returning in two weeks, Lux and Co. may find even more viewers in their new 8pm timeslot.  One Tree Hill, meanwhile, will finish the season with four new episodes beginning April 26.  The timeslot-sharing experiment has not only kept fresh episodes on the air, but also enabled a critically-acclaimed new show to find a place in the lineup.  And with an overload of interesting fall pilots (a great problem to have), it wouldn’t be surprising if the CW Monday success story expands to other nights, as well.      

If you enjoy a healthy dose of shock-and-awe while watching television, you sure weren’t disappointed in the past few evenings of CW dramatics.  Let’s take a whirlwind review:  

The Vampire Diaries:   The captivating 1864 flashback episode revealed that Anna (Jeremy’s new stalker girlfriend) was a vampire child back when her mother, Pearl, and Katherine were supposedly burned in the church fire.  And Stefan was inadvertently responsible for Katherine’s capture!  But unless we’re missing something, it sure didn’t seem like Katherine was the vamp who turned the Salvatore boys, did it?  So who did?  In the present day…Bonnie and Elena are both kidnapped by the undead.  Uh-oh. 

Supernatural:   Another trip to the past, just not as far.  Landing in 1978 to save their young parents from rogue angel Anna, Sam and Dean were forced to tell their mother who they really are.  Major wow.  But just when it appeared they’d all be killed, the archangel Michael made his first appearance, using the body of John Winchester.  He easily vanquished the bad seeds before laying out Dean’s stunning destiny. 

Smallville:   The Absolute Justice event was a true TV milestone.  We knew Hawkman, Dr. Fate and Stargirl were key guest stars, but who expected to see historical newsclips of so many other Justice Society legends:  Atom, The Flash, Wildcat, Green Lantern, Mister Terrific, Hawkgirl and Ma Hunkle—along with the untimely murders of the now-aged Star-Spangled Kid and Sandman?  Did you catch the confirmation via Dr. Fate that Lex Luthor is, indeed, alive?  The more immediate threat, however, may come via Agent Amanda Waller and her Checkmate/Suicide Squad operation.  And Tess Mercer’s a secret agent?  Gal gets around. 

One Tree Hill:   When Bess Armstrong dropped in on her three girls for the first time in five seasons, you had to know something was up.  Pancreatic cancer and a short time live.  Haley and Quinn are devastated, and rebel sister Taylor is unable to face the end, quickly fleeing town without a goodbye.  Armstrong is a real heavyweight actress, and we’ll see her tackle this on-screen challenge over the next few weeks.  It was a bit surprising to learn that Haley’s father had also passed away, since it had never been mentioned on the show. 

Life Unexpected:   A week after the kookiest family dinner this side of Stars Hollow—and Lux’s shocking $3,200 rent payment for Baze—the kid reverted back to the kind of destructive decision teenagers often make.  In a fit of unbridled (and unjustified) anger, she exposed Cate and Ryan’s secret engagement to their radio audience.  And that led to the series’ most poignant lecture to date, as Cate offered up an ultimatum to a clearly-shaken Lux:  I’m doing the best I can at being a new mom, and you can take it or leave it…the choice is yours.  Powerful stuff.   

America embraced a foster teen and her flawed birth parents this week.  A winsome cast certainly illuminates Life Unexpected, but more than anything, the core story touches a nerve.  How many times did you put yourself in the place of Lux—approaching her dad, and then her mom for the first time?  Wasn’t it easy to feel the numbing jolt along with Cate?  The bewilderment of Baze?  Good TV evokes an emotional response, and series creator Liz Tigelaar has spent the last decade polishing her skills on acclaimed shows like American Dreams, What About Brian, and Brothers & Sisters.  She’s also the author of teen novels PrettyTOUGH and Playing With the Boys, which explored socially-estranged sisters and fish-out-of-water high school themes; and a series of Dawson’s Creek spinoff mysteries.  Prior to The CW’s first season, Liz conceived an unusual drama, Split Decision, about a freshman (Jessy Schram) walking the tightrope between punks and druggies on one side of the school, and cheerleaders and popular kids on the other.  The cast included a pre-Narnia Ben Barnes, plus Zack Roerig (Vampire Diaries) and Alona Tal (Supernatural).  Though it wasn’t picked up, the pilot made an impact, says the Wall Street Journal.  “That’s where we were indoctrinated into Liz’s writing and her way of getting at the heart of what is really in the soul of a teenager,” a studio exec said.  Which brings us to Life Unexpected, a twisted coming-of-age story in which the adults are the ones suddenly maturing, with Lux as their catalyst, notes Tigelaar—an adoptee who met her birth mother during the production of the show last fall.  The series premiere achieved the network’s highest ratings for the timeslot in over a year, and now the story expands to include Lux’s secret circle, a rebel boyfriend, and Baze and Cate’s quirky friends and families.  This new life with an independent teen will be complicated and fascinating to watch unfold.  And the script couldn’t be in better hands.

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

Remember the name:  Rafi Gavron.  CW fans are, by now, aware that Life UneXpected launches on the network next month to near-frenzied acclaim.  The offbeat family drama’s success will largely hinge on the noteworthy talents of its four lead actors:  Britt Robertson, Kristoffer Polaha, Shiri Appleby and Kerr Smith.  But the characters surrounding them can be just as valuable (can you imagine Gilmore Girls without Jess or Paris or Miss Patty?)—and we’re already impressed with some early additions.  At age 20, Rafi Gavron has that elusive Hollywood “It” factor, and series creator Liz Tigelaar scored a coup in casting him as the initial love interest for “Lux” (Robertson).  The two teens’ plan to share an apartment with other foster friends goes suddenly awry when Lux and her newfound birth parents bond.  By episode two, Rafi’s pierced, tattooed badboy, “Bug,” steers his girlfriend toward some rebellious choices, demonstrating right away that Life UneXpected is more than a feel-good saga; each character will face life-altering detours.  With no formal training, the fearless and confident Gavron has stolen the spotlight in several varied roles, including Inkheart, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist and arcs on Rome and 24.  He met best friend Ed Westwick (Chuck on Gossip Girl) when the two Brits costarred in Breaking and Entering.  Gavron is among the “Ones to Watch” in a listing of the Hottest Young Actors, drawing comparisons to such names as Leo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp.  We have no doubt he’ll soon make a big impression on CW viewers.     

Walk past your local magazine rack and you’re bound to see Austin Butler’s bright smile on the cover of most teen weeklies.  Fast-forward a few months from now and you’ll see him regularly on The CW.  The 18-year-old heartthrob is the newest cast addition to anticipated midseason dramedy Life UneXpected, series creator Liz Tigelaar reveals via twitter.  Austin will play the boyfriend of series star Britt Robertson (Lux), a foster teen who reconnects with her immature birth parents Shiri Appleby and Kristoffer Polaha.  Though he’s been a presence on several Nick and Disney shows, Austin gained a huge following through the summer series Ruby & the Rockits, where he played the son of Patrick Cassidy (remember him?…Lana’s birth father on Smallville), and his recent debut film Aliens in the Attic, opposite Doris Roberts (Everybody Loves Raymond), which comes to DVD next week.  Critics agree that Life UneXpected has a feel reminiscent of The Frog.  “I started on Dawson’s Creek, so I have a love for the old WB what they did with their shows like Felicity and Everwood,” Tigelaar tells SFUniverse, on break from filming episode four in Portland and Vancouver.  “The viewer longed for something,” as opposed to “having everything given to us right away.”  WB and Roswell veteran Appleby agrees.  “This show has a lot of heart and it’s really funny.  The CW’s other shows are really tremendous in what they’re doing,” she notes to iesb.net, “but if we’re successful, I think they’ll have another avenue, a whole new (family drama) area to go into.”  Can’t wait! 

Each summer, television critics gather in Hollywood for press sessions with network execs and cast members from their new Fall series.  The Q&A panels often yield interesting facts, and we’ve gathered ten scooplets:

• The Vampire Diaries is “not just a high school show,” says producer Kevin Williamson.  “We’re much more of a small town show, and once you get past the premise, we’ll start to develop the huge mythology.”
• A new series regular will soon join the Vampire Diaries cast.  He comes to Mystic Falls with a secret agenda, and awakens the town to the idea that undead bloodsuckers are living among them.
• One of the vampires fought in the Civil War, and the show is set in Virginia…so filming in Atlanta offers a nice Southern, small town feel.  The CW series will use the first three books by L.J. Smith as a backdrop, and then pursue its own stories.
• CW president Dawn Ostroff believes both Smallville and Supernatural have a lot stories left to tell, and would like both to return beyond the upcoming season.
• Sara Paxton’s character on The Beautiful Life: TBL is based on the real-life modeling experiences of series creator Ashton Kutcher.
• Headline magnet Mischa Barton is “very prominent” in the show, says Kutcher.  “She’s one of our lead players,” adding he’s extremely pleased with her work.  “For me, it’s the best I’ve seen Mischa Barton.”
• Melrose Place already has Laura Leighton, Thomas Calabro, Daphne Zuniga and Josie Bissett returning from the original series—is Grant Show next?  He talked with producers this week, and “stuff is brewing, definitely.”  Also, the door is open for Heather Locklear at any time.
• Of the new MP cast members, only 36-year-old Colin Egglesfield (pictured) has seen Aaron Spelling’s wild-n-crazy 1992-99 primetime soap.  Katie Cassidy says her parents wouldn’t let her watch because she was too young.
• Critics continue to praise midseason dramedy Life UneXpected.  EW calls the pilot “completely charming,” and says the show is “bound to capture the hearts and minds of anyone who liked Privileged and, before that, Gilmore Girls.”
• Exec producer Liz Tigelaar (Brothers & Sisters, Once and Again) feels Life UneXpected is “reminiscent of the programming that made The WB Network ‘teen drama central.’”  She adds, “The biggest thing that excites me is how flawed and how real these characters are.”

TCA reporting by the TV Addict, Zap2it, L.A. Times, THR, Variety, EW.

Over the next six weekends, viewers can catch all-new, unaired episodes of two short-lived CW series.  Valentine is a dramedy about Greek gods secretly living among us, working to bring couples of destiny together.  The cast features Jaime Murray as “Aphrodite” and Kristoffer Polaha as “Eros,” along with Autumn Reeser and Christine Lakin.  (Look for Polaha in the CW’s midseason Life UneXpected.)  This Sunday’s episode has a local connection, with Clevelander Rob Mayes guest-starring.  A 2003 University School grad, Rob grew up in Gates Mills and Pepper Pike and is best-known for last fall’s musical film, The American Mall, in which he and Nina Dobrev (Elena on The Vampire Diaries; pictured) sang and danced their way through a shopping mecca.  Valentine’s finale will air next weekend, followed by four new installments of Easy Money, the payday loan/shark family drama headlined by Laurie Metcalf and Jeff Hephner.  Both series had lots of potential and performances you’ll really like.  Hephner’s golden-boy character learned that he was illegally adopted—and actually the payoff for a bad debt.  If you’re looking for some fresh fare on a Sunday summer evening, give these half-dozen hours a look.

This past week, two of the TV industry’s trusted websites offered reviews on the new CW dramedy, Life UneXpected.  And?  “Quite possibly the most unexpected new treat of the season,” says TVaddict.com.  “Not only a new kind of family, but a welcome one,” referring to a 15-year-old foster child reuniting with her immature birth parents—who haven’t seen each other since their one night stand in high school.  “Consider this series a lock for a slot on (our) coveted ‘can’t miss’ list.”  The Futon Critic goes further, praising the first episode as “old school WB in the best possible way.  ‘Life’ may be both the sappiest and smartest show to come out of The CW to date.  It all begins with the collective awesomeness that is Britt Robertson, Kristoffer Polaha, Shiri Appleby and Kerr Smith.  Effortlessly charming, stunningly empathetic and an all-around joy to watch…it’s a surprisingly poignant tale about love and forgiveness, a wonderfully adult take on your typical quarterlife crisis.”  The extended trailer became an instant favorite among WBNX staff members, as well.  Gilmore Girls-meets-Juno is how the network summarizes the story—the first 2009 pilot ordered by The CW.  Took awhile for the title to evolve, from Light Years to LUX to Parental Discretion Advised and, finally, Life UneXpected.  But from all accounts, this is one family show that’ll live up to its name.