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.   

The list of long-departed characters heading back to their CW series continues to grow, and each new announcement brings more excitement than the last.  Which star are you most anxious to see? 

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.  

The CW scored two major victories in the first awards ceremony of 2010.  The Vampire Diaries was named Favorite New TV Drama at the 36^th annual People’s Choice Awards this week, defeating Flash Forward, NCIS: Los Angeles, V, and The Good Wife.  Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder’s smoldering Salvatore brothers led the vampire series to overnight breakout status, earning media praise as one of the year’s top ten programs.  The New York Post went to so far as to detail “Five Reasons Why Vampire Diaries is Better Than Twilight,” the film saga that’s grossed over $1-billion worldwide.  Not to be outdone, Thursday companion drama Supernatural captured honors as Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show, upsetting stiff competitors Lost, Heroes, True Blood and The Vampire Diaries.  Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki have built one of the industry’s most loyal and protective fanbases, enabling the fifth-year thriller to harvest plenty of votes from the public.  Viewers aren’t alone in their praise for Supernatural, however, as the NY Times includes it as one of the past year’s 10 Memorable Shows, saying it’s “currently among the wildest and most entertaining series in prime time.”  To cap off the People’s Choice plaudits, Steve Carell (Michael on The Office) was also named Favorite TV Comedy Actor.  A great night for WBNX talent in Hollywood!     

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

Spread the word and “stuff the ballot box” for several deserving CW series to receive national recognition at the first awards show of 2010.  The deadline to vote for your favorite People’s Choice nominees is Tuesday, Dec. 8, and this competition encourages the public to cast a ballot as often as possible.  Just log on to peopleschoice.com and easily click through the categories—but note that the only way to vote for Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show and Favorite Talk Show is by texting “VOTE” to 24475.  This new wrinkle is important since Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries, Lost and The Tyra Banks Show are among those nominated.  Here’s a rundown of the choices involving WBNX stars or shows:

 TV Drama:   Lost
TV Comedy:   The Office and Desperate Housewives
TV Actor:   Matthew Fox (Lost)
TV Actress:   Blake Lively (Gossip Girl) and Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: SVU)  
TV Comedy Actor:   Steve Carell (The Office)
TV Comedy Actress:   Eva Longoria Parker (Desperate Housewives)
TV Obsession:  Gossip Girl
TV Sci-Fi/Fantasy:  Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries and Lost
TV Talk Show:  The Tyra Banks Show
New TV Drama:   The Vampire Diaries and Melrose Place
Movie Actress:  Jennifer Aniston (Friends)
Independent Movie:  Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail
Music collaboration:  Cobra Starship & Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl)

Awards Season is fast approaching and the one ceremony which relies on fan balloting needs our early input.  The 36^th annual People’s Choice Awards want to condense their list of potential nominees in each category from a dozen to the top five.  There are ten television-related groups, plus 12 for movies and nine for music.  If your favorite is not already listed, voters can also write in their own choices.  Here are the current WBNX-related names which appear on the ballot: 

Favorite Competition Show:  America’s Next Top Model

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show:  Smallville, Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries

TV Comedy:  The Office, Desperate Housewives

TV Comedy Actress:  Jenna Fisher, Sarah Chalke, Teri Hatcher, Eva Longoria

TV Comedy Actor:  Steve Carell, Zach Braff

TV Drama:  Lost, Law & Order: SVU

TV Drama Actress:  Blake Lively, Evangeline Lilly, Mariska Hargitay

TV Obsession:  Gossip Girl

TV Talkshow:  The Tyra Banks Show

Movie Actress:  Jennifer Aniston

Breakout Movie Actor:  Ed Helms (The Office)

Breakout Movie Actress:  Rashida Jones (The Office)

Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail received several nominations.

We know there are other CW stars and series you’d like to include, as well.  To take part in this month-long nomination process, log onto peopleschoice.com and vote often.  In December, you’ll be given the chance to select winners in each category, who will then be honored on January 6.

The first six weeks of the new TV season have offered an excess of hair-raising storylines and head-scratching mysteries.  For example…

Katherine sired the Salvatore brothers on The Vampire Diaries in 1864.  Wouldn’t you like to know how she became a bloodsucker, and whether she really died in that church fire?  Call us skeptical. 

Did you expect last week’s Supernatural slant toward The Omen, with the all-powerful little kid?  He’s gotta figure into future episodes.  Just like with Buffy’s “anointed one,” these evil children are creepy.  

Bobby possessed, then in a wheelchair?!  Jim Beaver wasn’t kidding when he teased a major twist with his Supernatural character this season. 

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz (Violet) totally pulls off the psychotic chick on Melrose Place.  Admit it:  her bizarre, unpredictable scenes are the highlight of every episode.

Fellow popstar Hilary Duff has rocked her role on Gossip Girl.  Really enjoyable.  And we pine for the return of Georgina, whose convoluted schemes are a welcome treat.  

Will Annie actually get away with murder on 90210?  This tangled web with Jasper has to end badly, you’d think.  Either way, “damaged” Annie is so much more fun to watch than the innocent farm girl.

Nathan and his family melting down amidst scandalous allegations on One Tree Hill gives us a new perspective of the media circus pro athletes and celebs face daily.  Can’t wait to see the accuser on Dan Scott’s TV show Monday.  And speaking of Dan—how shocking was his marriage reveal…to Rachel!?

O, Death!  Sydney (Melrose Place) and Vampire Diaries trio Logan Fell, “uncle” Zach Salvatore and Coach Tanner were gasp-worthy murders.  But hold tight!  There’s another Melrose corpse on the way—and two fan faves will face the end next month on Supernatural.

Hey, remember me?  Auggie (Colin Egglesfield) on MP is ready for a beefed-up story.  Ditto Jenny and Nate on Gossip Girl.  And are we gonna meet Serena’s evasive Daddy-O, or what?

Have you missed any recent CW episodes or forgotten key plot points?  The network has assembled four incredible recap videos from this past season to help refresh our memories and whet our appetites for new episodes, which begin in just three weeks.  Watch the summaries of Smallville, Supernatural, One Tree Hill and Gossip Girl below.

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.

• Mark Pellegrino will play the devil this fall on Supernatural, beginning with episodes one and three, but last season he was a finalist for the angelic role of Castiel, reports zap2it.  Series creator Eric Kripke says Misha Collins won them over just a little bit more, and he later offered Pellegrino the dark role without an audition.
• Michelle Trachtenberg (pictured) has another show in the works, but will always make time to portray the scheming troublemaker on TV’s most popular teen soap.  “Georgina (Sparks) isn’t going anywhere,” the actress tells Daily Intel.  “She’s always going to be an element of Gossip Girl.  She’s never gonna die; there’s nothing you can do to kill her.”
• One Tree Hill apparently did a U-turn on one romantic pairing.  “Owen and Brooke were originally scripted to wind up together,” Joe Manganiello reveals to TDW.  “We shot those scenes, but the producers had other plans for them and had us reshoot a different plot.”  Brooke (Sophia Bush) eventually fell for Julian, played by new series regular Austin Nichols.
• America’s Next Top Model will soon take us to the Hawaiian paradise of Maui.  People reports that Tyra Banks is staying at a private home on the island and driving to the opulent Grand Wailea resort for filming.  This is likely the site for Cycle 14, which will air in early 2010.
• Callum Blue teases a few details about his dual character, Mason/Zod, who appears in 16 upcoming episodes of Smallville.  “He’s a younger version of General Zod,” Callum tells KryptonSite.  “He hasn’t blown up Krypton yet, he’s not in the Phantom Zone.  All of that is to come, so they can play a bit with the idea—are they going to change the future?”