CW stars Ian Somerhalder (Damon on The Vampire Diaries), Sophia Bush and Austin Nichols (Brooke and Julian on One Tree Hill) spent a good portion of their hiatus assisting victims of the oil spill and keeping the public’s focus on the environmental disaster.  The network will now follow up their passionate efforts with a one-hour special next Friday, highlighting the resiliency of coastal residents who’ve worked tirelessly to restore their communities and lives.  David Hasselhoff is host of The Gulf is Back, an emotionally charged documentary filled with music from the two-day benefit concert in Biloxi, Mississipi.  Performers include Teen and Kid’s Choice winner Drake Bell (pictured), Lonestar, Brian McKnight, Taylor Hicks, Ricky Skaggs and more; with actors Dean Cain, Shannon Elizabeth and New Orleans legend B.B. King sharing stories of everyday people whose heroic actions made an impact in the region. 

Lots of fall television spoilers have been floating across the internet this summer, whetting our appetite for new episodes.  Glancing at each of The CW’s ten programs, we’ve chosen at least one intriguing storyline that should drive viewers to their nearest watercooler or chat room next month.   

90210:   Ready for some rockin’ and rollin’, West Coast style?  An earthquake jolts the Hills right away, but will that be enough to distract Naomi from her creepy teacher…who’s still very much around after the assault. 

Gossip Girl:   Two new babes steal the limelight—and that’s not easy with this cast.  Katie Cassidy latches onto Nate, but producers say she’ll also bring ‘nice, juicy trouble.’  Across town, Dan tends to Georgina’s baby, wondering how he became a papa. 

One Tree Hill:   What could be more dramatic than Clay and Quinn sprawled in pools of blood, with gun-toting whacko Katie still on the loose?  Might have been the series’ most heart-stopping season finale thus far. 

Life Unexpected:   In a stroke of programming genius, the Oct. 12 episode will feature a CW crossover, with One Tree Hill songbirds Haley and Mia (Cleveland’s Kate Voegele) trekking to Portland for Cate and Ryan’s radio concert promotion.            

America’s Next Top Model:   Venice and Milan…and a contestant who boasts “the smallest waist in the world.”  

Hellcats:   It’s a new show, so there’s much to reveal.  But judging from the promo trailers, Heather Hemmens (pictured) is more than an injured cheerleader.  She’s a Mean Girl.  And every pep squad dorm needs a backstabbing Mean Girl. 

The Vampire Diaries:   Seeing Katherine lop off four of David Anders’ fingers was frightening and gruesome.  The good news is Elena’s dad may well have survived the attack, says E! Online.  And doctors are doing wonders with re-attachment. 

Nikita:   Another freshman series, and this one’s working outside the box.  Expect action and suspense from the opening credits, but it’s an off-the-wall twist at the end that has bloggers abuzz.      

Smallville:   Nothing’s gonna be held back this season—it’s advisable to catch every episode.  Fan favorite Chloe will be missing for part of the year, throwing new beau Oliver for a loop.  But apparently her absence is tied to some new headgear: Dr. Fate’s helmet!  

Supernatural:   The new emphasis on family and monster mythology will be entertaining, but the highlight could be the Winchesters’ satirical send-up of the vampires from Twilight and Vampire Diaires.

Whether we agree or disagree with their subjective rankings, entertainment lists are a fun way to stir debate.  Tube hub Buddy TV charts the “20 Hottest Dads on TV,” and, naturally, WBNX stars scored well—even grabbing the top spot: 

#1:    Baze (Kristoffer Polaha, pictured) on Life Unexpected
#4:    Seely Booth (David Boreanaz) on Bones
#9:    Nathan Scott (James Lafferty) on One Tree Hill
#10:  John Winchester (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) on Supernatural
#15:  Tom Scavo (Doug Savant) on Desperate Housewives
#17:  Harry Wilson (Rob Estes) on 90210
#20:  Rufus Humphrey (Matthew Settle) on Gossip Girl 

Forbes employs a more formulaic strategy in assembling its list of the “World’s 100 Most Powerful Celebrities.”  Measurements include earnings and media exposure across all platforms.  Noticeably absent from this year’s rankings are Tyra Banks, who appeared on the previous four compilations, and Will Smith (Fresh Prince), who claimed the #11 position in 2009.  Here are the WBNX stars who placed this year: 

#25:   Tyler Perry (House of Payne)
#26:   Jennifer Aniston (Friends)
#78:   Steve Carell  (The Office)
#84:   Ray Romano  (Everybody Loves Raymond)
#92:   Eva Longoria Parker  (Desperate Housewives)
#94:   George Lopez (George Lopez Show)
#100:   Mariska Hargitay  (Law & Order: SVU)

The second round of Teen Choice Awards nominations include 18 more stars and shows featured on WBNX, boosting our overall total this year to an eye-popping 49.  You can vote here for your favorites each day through August 5, with surfboard winners announced four days later.  Here are the additional nominees:  

Breakout TV Show:   Life Unexpected and The Vampire Diaries
Female Breakout Star:   Nina Dobrev (The Vampire Diaries)
Male Breakout Star:   Paul Wesley (The Vampire Diaries)
Female Scene Stealer:   Hilary Duff (Gossip Girl), Bethany Joy Galeotti (One Tree Hill), Katerina Graham (The Vampire Diaries) and Shenae Grimes (90210)
Male Scene Stealer:   James Lafferty (One Tree Hill)
TV Parental Unit:   Rob Estes and Lori Loughlin (90210); Bethany Joy Galeotti and James Lafferty (One Tree Hill)
Male Hottie:   Ian Somerhalder (The Vampire Diaries)
TV Personality:   Mario Lopez
Music Single:   California Gurls (Katy Perry), The CW’s summer image theme
Red Carpet Fashion Icon:   Eva Longoria Parker (Desperate Housewives)
Choice Activist:  Eva Longoria Parker
Movie Scene Stealer:   George Lopez (pictured)
Choice Twitterer:   George Lopez

Nearly a dozen WBNX shows will be releasing DVD collections this summer.  Here’s your one-stop guide to their street dates and bonus material:

One Tree Hill: Season 7 due Aug. 17.  Also contains three featurettes: New to Camp One Tree Hill, The Directors’ Debut, Pt. 2, and Spring Break; along with two audio commentaries, unaired scenes and a gag reel.

90210: Season 2 due Aug. 24.  Includes commentary with producers and series stars Michael Steger, Jessica Stroup, Trevor Donovan and Jessica Lowndes.  Other extras:  New Faces, Same Drama; From the Hills to the Beach, The Look of 90210; Beverly Hills Surf Crew; Adrianna and Navid; a set tour of the Beverly Hills Beach Club; and the season in review.

Gossip Girl: Season 3 due Aug. 24.  Special features:  Interactive Viewing Experience on Eps. 16; Throwing a Party, Gossip Girl-style; unaired scenes; Lady Gaga and Plasticines music videos; and a gag reel.

The Vampire Diaries: Season 1 blu-ray and DVD due Aug. 31.  Featurettes include Bringing Vampire Lore and the High School Experience from Page to Screen; The Popularity of Vampires and the Fans Who Love Them; A New Breed of Vampires—Casting the Series; and Vampire 101: Rules of the Vampire.  Other extras:  Creators and director pilot commentary; A Darker Truth webisodes; unaired scenes; gag reel; and downloadable audiobook of Vampire Diaires: The Awakening by L.J. Smith.

Smallville: Season 9 on blu-ray and DVD due Sep. 7.  Featurettes on Zod and the Justice Society of America; cast and creator commentaries on two episodes; and unaired scenes.

Supernatural: Season 5 on blu-ray and DVD due Sep. 7.  Bonus material includes a gag reel, an unaired scene from “The Real Ghostbusters” episode, producer/writer commentary track on “The End,” the Ghostfacers web series, and Apocalypse Survival Guides: Bobby’s Exclusive Video Collection.

Three WBNX weekday comedies recently released DVD sets:  The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (Season 5), My Wife & Kids (Season 2) and According to Jim (Season 2).  Here’s a rundown on our other syndicated series:

Lost: Season 6 and The Complete Collection, on blu-ray and DVD, due Aug. 24.  Too much bonus material to list, including the much-anticipated 12-15 minute “new chapter of the island history” with Ben and Hurley.

The Office: Season 6 on blu-ray and DVD due Sep. 7; and the Seasons 1-5 Collection on Sep. 8.  Many hilarious extras!

Desperate Housewives: Season 6 due Sep. 21.  Extras include bloopers and deleted scenes.

Scrubs: Complete series, Seasons 1-9, due Sep. 28.  Many extras!

Legend of the Seeker: Season 2 due Sep. 28.  Bonus material includes extended scenes and two featurettes: Under the Underworld and Redemption of a Mord’Sith—Meet Cara.

The 12^th annual Teen Choice Awards once again affirm the popularity of CW Network talent.  Gossip Girl leads all TV series with six nominations, and six other returning shows picked up at least one apiece.  Several stars also scored crossover recognition for their film work.  Below are the first wave of nominees with ties to WBNX, and teens (13-19) can vote daily for their favorites by clicking here.  Results will be announced August 8, with CW summer popstar Katy Perry (California Gurls) hosting. 

TV Drama:  90210 and Gossip Girl
TV Drama Actor:  Penn Badgley and Chace Crawford (Gossip Girl); Tristan Wilds (90210)
TV Drama Actress:  Sophia Bush (One Tree Hill); Blake Lively and Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl)
TV Villain:  Ian Somerhalder (Vampire Diaries), Ed Westwick (Gossip Girl), Terry O’Quinn (Lost)
TV Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi:  Tom Welling (Smallville), Paul Wesley (Vampire Diaries), Josh Holloway (Lost)
TV Actress Fantasy/Sci-Fi:  Nina Dobrev (Vampire Diaries) and Evangeline Lilly (Lost)
TV Fantasy/Sci-Fi Show:  Lost, Smallville, Supernatural, The Vampire Diaires
TV Reality Competition:  America’s Next Top Model
TV Comedy Actor:  Steve Carell (The Office)
Choice Comedian:  George Lopez
Film Actor, Horror/Thriller:  Penn Badgley [pictured, with girlfriend Blake Lively]
Film Actress, Horror/Thriller:  Rumer Willis (90210) and Katie Cassidy (Melrose Place)
Film Actress, Romantic Comedy:  Kristen Bell (Gossip Girl)
Film Actress, Comedy:  Kristen Bell
Film Actor, Comedy:  Steve Carell and Chris Rock (Everybody Hates Chris)
Choice Movie Dance:  Steve Carell and Tina Fey

Some call ‘em little monsters…and more often, that’s a literal tag.  For over half a century, Hollywood has been using evil kids to creep us out—the latest example coming on Legend of the Seeker.  The finale wrapped with a blinded Richard Cypher being led to a climactic showdown at the “pillars of creation” by Declan, a seemingly innocent child who was actually the Keeper of the Underworld.  It called to mind other scary network children, such as Lilith on Supernatural; Colin, the anointed one, on Buffy; and Phoebe’s offspring of the Source on Charmed.  And doesn’t the name Damien still give you chills?  A Nebraska film prof says the appeal of all these bad seed youngsters is “fear of the unknown.  They live in a very different world from adults, in which fantasy and reality intermingle,” he tells AP.  How much of that eeriness is inherited?  Well, test the theory this fall when The CW introduces more babies than a Justin Bieber ballad.  The season finales revealed three surprise pregnancies: Haley on One Tree Hill, Jen on 90210, and strangely blonde Georgina (pictured) on Gossip Girl.  As the prime villains on their dramas, Jen and Georgie can duke it out for worst Monday mommy status.  ‘Course, if their babes fuss all night, they can take solace in knowing…there’ve been far worse TV tykes.

Katherine!  Poor John Gilbert (David Anders) suddenly lost his fingers and probably his life to the vengeful vampire queen.  Will Damon recognize her kiss in time to save Elena from a similar fate?   

Vamp-killing invention:  Oh, so that’s what the ancient device can do.  A high-pitched soundwave paralyzed the undead locals long enough to stake and burn them.  Sadly, Anna bit the dust—along with the mysterious Mayor Lockwood, whose supernatural roots will soon be uncovered.

Sam, the devil and Michael…all sealed in the cage!  (Kudos to Canton’s Jake Abel, who wasn’t kidding when he teased his return for a “pivotal role.”)  More intriguing, how—and as whom—did Sam later show up freed and sneering?

The sudden, shocking deaths of Castiel and Bobby.  Big relief when the angel got his mojo back.

Zod deep-fried half of Tess Mercer, whose death attracted a strange old woman knitting in the hospital hallway.  Many speculate that she is D.C. supervillain “Granny Goodness,” and her appearance foreshadows a Season 10 storyline of Apokolips and Darkseid.  Bring it on!  

Lois recognized The Blur’s kiss…as Clark!   

Runner-up moments: 

- Clark stabbed himself with blue kryptonite and is plunging toward his death.

-  The 2013 flash-forward headline:  Lex Luthor for President, a call-back to the Season One vision of his future Oval Office reign of terror.

Kooky psycho Katie (Sara’s doppelganger) interrupted everyone’s happy ending—Brooke engaged, Haley pregnant, Julian’s movie sold—by pumping bullets into both Quinn and Clay.  Anyone see that coming?   

Chuck Bass shot!  Seriously, teen billionaires should not be walking the NY streets alone at night. 

Georgina returns bearing evil spawn.  Yeah, she’s pregnant…but why did she first approach Chuck and Serena with tales of Russian mafia horror before visiting alleged baby daddy Dan?

Runner-up moment: 

-  Chuck and Jenny?!  That’ll kill a marriage proposal to Blair every time.   

Naomi assaulted by Mr. Cannon!  Wong place, wrong night for car trouble.  Inside West Bev, the teacher she falsely accused of sexual harassment taunts:  “Who’s gonna believe the girl who cried wolf?”

The CW Season Finale Marathon is in full-swing through next Tuesday, but there may not be a more dramatic conclusion than what we’ll see on One Tree Hill.  Costars James Lafferty (Nathan) and Michael Grubbs (Grubbs) have suggested that two endings were filmed—one to finish the series, and one to be used if the show will return this fall.  While an official decision will be announced on May 20, insiders would likely know in time for the proper final act to air on Monday.  “The way it ends will depend on whether or not we get an eighth season pick-up,” James coyly tells zap2it.  “I may actually be crossing the line even saying that.”  The singing bartender was a bit more forthright.  “If there’s another season, we’ll hit you with a crazy twist,” says Michael.  “It’s just so insane, we could never use it as the series finale.  We could never do that to the fans and not wrap it up; it would just be evil.”  Whatever cliffhanger creator Mark Schwahn has conjured up, it’s already turned heads on an airplane. “I read the script for the first time (en route to Wilmington) and yelled ‘No way!’ out loud on the flight,” the Wakey!Wakey! frontman raves.  “Get ready; it’s really, really good.”  Everyone loves a finale with unexpected thrills, and barring a news leak prior to airtime, the One Tree Hill payoff scene could—in itself—become the biggest “reveal” in series history.   

Finales, renewals and pilot pickups converge over the next 15 days—the most suspenseful period of every television season—and the major news outlets are leaking clues as to what announcements may be forthcoming.  Variety insider Cynthia Littleton (who co-authored a tell-all book about The WB) says The CW is “looking at a maximum of three (new) dramas, with one of those slots sure to go to Nikita.”  Deadline Hollywood confirms the assassin/spy redux is already assembling its crew, typically a sign that the series will make the fall lineup.  The network is also excited about supernatural thriller Betwixt, says THR; and cast member Josh Henderson tweets that the revised show title is Changelings.  One script reviewer feels it’s “a lot darker on its surface than Vampire Diaries.”  A third major contender appears to be Tom Welling’s college darkhorse, Hellcats, “seen as the CW’s stab at Glee, but with cheerleaders.”  Popstars Ashley Tisdale and Aly Michalka headline the ensemble, praised as “hot, very strong and very on-brand.”  Matt Barr (pictured), familiar to One Tree Hill fans as Peyton’s stalker, “Derek,” plays one of the heartthrobs.  Of course, any of the three other intriguing pilots could easily unseat a frontrunner, as programs are critiqued and scheduling options debated.  There is still no official word on One Tree Hill or Life Unexpected, other than EW’s hunch that both will return with at least 13 episodes.