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.   

It’s been more than five years since we’ve heard from “Lydia James,” mother of Haley, Taylor and Quinn on One Tree Hill.  The always-radiant actress returns February 8 with a shocking announcement for her girls.  Are there even more siblings out there?  How many recall that rock star Huey Lewis played Haley’s father back in Season Two?  And can it really be three decades since Bess stole our hearts in her film debut opposite Alan Alda and Carol Burnett in The Four Seasons? 

Remember when Supernatural sent Dean sent back in time to meet his young parents—and his grandfather (Mitch Pileggi), who turned out to be possessed by Azazel?  Next Thursday, both Winchester boys find themselves in 1978 trying to prevent the murder of John (Matt Cohen) and Mary (Amy Gumenick).  The previous flashback was one of the series’ best episodes, and Sam’s first encounter with his disco-era folks will be emotional.  On a side note, how is Matt Cohen not a series regular somewhere on The CW?

Martha Kent has been one hard-working congresswoman, absent from the Smallville farm for nearly three seasons.  And Perry White, last seen in ‘03?  It’s about time he starts barking orders at the Daily Planet.  The real-life married couple returns with some big news in May, EW reports, and there’s online speculation it has something to do with “government agent/villain” Amanda Waller (Pam Grier).

You didn’t think we’d seen the last of Clay’s deceased wife, Sara, on One Tree Hill, did ya?  It was the season’s most heartfelt love story and certainly ended too soon.  Foreshadowing a new mystery, E! Online says we’ll see Sara again…but she won’t be Sara.  Hmm.

Last season, the Canton, Ohio native delivered one of the unlikeliest twists ever seen on Supernatural.  Turns out, Sam and Dean had a secret half-brother their dad never mentioned…and the kid led a normal, monster-free childhood.  Well, until a ghoul ate him.  On a press tour this month for Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Jake revealed that “Adam” comes back to play a pivotal role in an upcoming episode.  

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

To begin with, they’re immortal, possess super strength, lightning-quick speed, and instant healing.  Going a few steps further:

Affected by the sun:   Clark draws his strength from it; while vampires normally flame out.

The eyes have it:   Clark shoots fire and has x-ray vision; Damon’s “glamour” stare can control thoughts

Wear my ring:   Clark can time-travel with his Legion of Superheroes ring; Damon and Stefan can be exposed to daylight with their unique signets

One weakness:   Clark…and kryptonite.  The vamps…and vervain. 

Gothic threads:   Both Clark and the vampires prefer to dress in black.

Mortal romance:   Clark fixated on Lana, then Lois.  The Salvatores are hooked on Katharine doppelganger Elena.

It’s a secret:   Heard the one about hiding their true identities from the world? 

Tragic history:   Clark’s planet was destroyed; while Damon and Stefan were changed into ageless monsters.

A few more odd coincidences?  When Somerhalder guest starred as “Adam Knight” for seven episodes of Smallville, his character was brought back to life…using Clark Kent’s blood!  On The Vampire Diaires, Damon’s arrival is often accompanied by a crow or fog.  Smallville High’s mascot—a crow.  And Tom Welling’s first film role lead?  You guessed it…The Fog. 
 

UPDATE:  The Justice League-themed episodes will now air as a two-hour “movie event,” SMALLVILLE: ABSOLUTE JUSTICE, on Friday, February 5.