To start off, I realize I watch way too much TV.  2 HD DVRs and no social life help this out considerably.

7:00

How I Met Your Mother – It looks like we (and Ted) are finally going to meet the long-teased titular mother this season, which could be just what the show needs.  It started to drag a bit last season, but the premiere seemed like they were back to form.  At its worst, it is worth watching for Jason Segel and Neil Patrick Harris, who always bring their A-game.

Chuck – The spy comedy enters its fourth season with a new season, a new Buy More, and, finally, Chuck and Sarah together for reals.  One of the better shows on TV at bringing out nerd-culture without talking down to it. 

House – At this point, the case of the week is nowhere near as important as the characters, and this year House and Cuddy are together and 13 disappears for awhile.  It will be interesting to see how long they can keep House and Cuddy together without toning down their workplace dynamic.  On the plus side, Amber Tamblyn joins the cast while 13 is off shooting a movie.

8:00

The Event – Ooh, there’s a mystery afoot.  NBC tries to succeed where FlashForward and many others failed in duplicating the success of Lost, but without really understanding what it was that made Lost tick.  The first episode had flashbacks within flashbacks, and doesn’t really give you a reason to care about what is happening to any of the characters.  Their big mystery coming out of the pilot (in addition to what is the event) will bring me back for another week, but it is on a short leash.

Lone Star – One of the best reviewed pilots of the season and more people will read this post than will watch this show.  There’s an interesting story there, but I doubt it sees November sweeps.

8:30

Mike & Molly – The only reason I gave this a shot was leftover goodwill towards Sookie from Gilmore Girls.  That goodwill has now been spent.

9:00

Hawaii Five-O – Aside from the theme song, I knew nothing of the original.  The appeal here for me is Daniel Dae-Kim, coming off of Lost, and Grace Park in a bikini.  The pilot was good fun, so I’ll stick around for a few weeks and see where it goes.

Chase – Nothing special here.  It neither impressed, nor offended.

Castle – Castle comes back without missing a beat.  The entire heart of this show is the relationship between the two leads, and between Castle and his daughter.  It will never make you think, but I’ve never been disappointed that I watched.