TV time.

The City: The producers have successfully immersed the girls in the world of New York City fashion; the involvement of people who actually work in the fashion industry has given the series clout (well, more clout than it had). It helps that the entire staff of Elle doesn't mind appearing on camera, thus saving us from another season where Erin and Olivia fight, and Joe Zee weakly tries to explain Olivia's presence without admitting that she's there to get in fights with Erin on TV. The more glossy Bergdorf parties, sideways glances, beautiful clothes and dates with Page Six reporters the better. Plus, Whitney called Olivia a bitch to her face (two weeks ago)! Look how far she's come.

Gossip Girl "Last Tango, Then Paris": I've never been a consistent Gossip Girl viewer, but I'm familiar with the show thanks to Jacob Clifton's excellent recaps. Last week, Serena kissed Dan and dumped Nate, Blair's maid had a baby, Georgina revealed she's pregnant with Dan's baby, and Jenny completed three seasons of downward spiraling by losing her virginity to Chuck. A lot happened. I actually liked it; it had momentum and tension, and successfully rearranged the status quo in anticipation of season four. For a show that regularly appears to lose its way, they ended the season on the right track.

The Vampire Diaries "Founder's Day": It's definitely not Buffy, but it's actually pretty good. The heroine, Elena, seems reasonably self-sufficient and even-keeled; she's neither brimming with angst, nor waiting for someone to rescue her. Ian Somerhalder kills as Damon. The guy seems to be having a hell of a time playing the resident bad boy; all of his scenes are at least 50% more fun. If you want to write a vampire and werewolf (that Tyler kid has to be a werewolf, right?) show for the CW, this is how to do it - smart writing, focused plotting, plenty of cheese (but also a dash of self-awareness), and an attractive cast of characters you might actually want to meet in real life.

To come: the final episodes of Community and Parks & Recreation, plus Glee and Friday Night Lights.