But "Lost" has a loyal audience and demographic numbers that will follow it anywhere. "Betty" finished third in the only time/day slot it's ever had, to an episode of "Bones" making its first appearance at that day and time. Like amysusanne noted, CBS and Fox are giggling like maniacs watching the implosion at NBC and ABC.

Michael Urie has posted a "stop freaking out!" message in his blog to calm the nerves of "Ugly Betty" fans everywhere. I think he's laying it on a little thick with the slight of hand at the end where he distracts from the fact that they're finishing their season *after* the season by comparing the hiatus with other shows on ABC that have actually *not* finished their seasons after the season. Plus, you know, he's being all spinny and overly optimistic. But, he's still right and I like that there's a hint of "seriously, people????" just below the surface with the comment about the normality of being in repeats during that time. I hadn't actually put too much thought into how they were going to play out the last few episodes, but I guess six eps of Betty in June is a good sign for Daisies, DSM and Eli since they've got a balance of three or four each, so maybe ABC's going for a "we're all new in JUNE!!!!" thing. Otoh, that shouldn't make Betty feel too good to be put out there with the ABC rejects. And on yet another hand, what if that worked out really well for ABC and there they were with a bunch of really successful cancelled shows starring folks who have already moved on to other projects. Yeah, that last part is wishful thinking, but I'm still in denial about the fate of my Daisies. Anyway, here's his post. BETTY'S NOT CANCELED come on, really? Here are the facts: We are going to finish shooting our original 3rd season order - 24 episodes (currently on 16). At the end of March, we're going off the air for a while, at a time when we would normally be on for a few weeks, off for a few, confusing and angering fans with repeats. In June, we come back, and finish the last 6 episodes of the season without interruption! This has been done with lots of ABC shows over time, like LOST and Desperate Housewives. We've got great real estate on Thursday nights at 8pm, and the network wants to share it with other shows! It makes sense. Doesn't mean the end of Betty. keep watching!!!! In fact, go buy some episodes on iTunes for fun! :0)

So, I finally managed to unwrap our How I met your Mother DVD's(seasons 1-3) and I'm so hooked. I also manage to hook the husband on it, we're watching episodes every night. Is it normal to dislike Ted though? Neither of us cares much for Ted. We love everyone else, especially Barney(obviously). I've been using his quotes left and right to co-workers lol.

You're not alone. I think Ted is the weak link (though he's had some good episodes). Barney is a one-man force to be reckoned with.

I actually love Ted, but I love Ted with the asterisk that I reserve the right to hate Ted when the mood strikes, namely, whenever College Ted makes an appearance. Because College Ted is a douche. I think that, while Barney is my favorite character on the show (and possibly on television as a whole), he might not be quite as awesome without Ted there. Ditto the rest of the characters. Ted's low man on the totem pole, but I'd miss him a great deal if he were gone.

The show needs Ted, mostly because he's the narrator, but that doesn't mean he's interesting. In general, he's kind of a dud. Especially compared to Barney. Barney is AWESOME! But we need Ted, just like every group of friends needs someone who's a bit dull. He brings out the best parts of the rest of the group.

I just started watching HIMYM Season 1 and I'm enjoying it. However, I got sidetracked this weekend by Mad Men - talk about awesome!

The show needs Ted, mostly because he's the narrator, but that doesn't mean he's interesting. In general, he's kind of a dud. Especially compared to Barney. Barney is AWESOME! But we need Ted, just like every group of friends needs someone who's a bit dull. He brings out the best parts of the rest of the group. Exactly. Ted gives the rest so much to work with. Lily's mockery of Ted? Marshall and Ted's college stories? And one of my favorite running bits: Barney's insistance on being Ted's best friend. Ted's an annoying idiot but every group's got one and I kind of like that they're all sort of annoying and idiotic in their own ways. The ep where they all had they all got various reality checks on their various personality flaws (can't remember the name, but the one where Marshall couldn't remember his password) is one of my favorites.

I sometimes wonder if we really are seeing everything through the eyes of Ted's kids because who's really going to ever think of their dad as that interesting when he was in his thirties?

I think part of my problem with Ted is that he reminds me of Ross Geller and I hated Ross.

Did *anyone* like Ross? Fortunately, I see no resemblance between actors or characters, so I'm good. In other news, Robin is currently acting as Barney's wingman on Lifetime. Good times. And on the subject of Jon Hamm (we *were* talking about him, right), I finally got to last week's "30 Rock" a minute ago and, oh my god. I'm not sure that anything is ever going to beat his post-roofie "I don't know what that means!!" but the second ep was close. He's funny, that one.

I am so far behind on 30 Rock, I can't even believe it. Must. Watch. Soon.

Oh, catch up soon! You won't regret it. The last couple have been some of the best of the series and totally made up for the duds earlier this year. Jon Hamm = A+ comedian. And Salma Hayek, with her McDonalds obsession, has grown on me. This show does product placement better than anyone. At least since the Burger King ep of "Arrested Development"...