This week in television brings much of the same, but continues with a little sprinkling of new shows here and there.
Now that the television premieres are in full swing, networks begin the yearly battle for viewers and ratings. But the question remains, what’s on this week?
Monday finds ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” continuing to dominate the line-up. Its new season began last week with a three-night premiere event.
This week, the contestants, already two short with last week’s eliminations of comic Jeffrey Ross and actor Ted McGinley, once more compete in hopes of viewer’s votes. “Dancing with the Stars” airs at 8 p.m.
“Chuck” makes its return to the NBC line-up as fans wonder what Chuck’s fate will be after last season’s finale. Will Chuck, a computer geek with a brain full of government secrets, get permanently deleted? Viewers will have to tune in at 8 p.m. to find out.
Tuesday has a great mixture of science fiction and crime dramas in its line-up this week. A show of interest is CBS’s “The Mentalist,” staring Simon Baker as a mentalist who uses his photographic memory to help police solve crimes.
Although it’s an interesting idea, one has to wonder if the writers of the USA Network’s “Psych” are crying copy cat. Either way, the show is worth a viewing. “The Mentalist” airs at 9 p.m.
Once more Fox offers the mysterious happenings of “Fringe.” This week, the team investigates the strange cause of an explosion and the even stranger item that survives.
“Fringe,” now in week three, is already having rating dips, so if you’re interested, now would be the time to watch before FOX decides to hit cancel. Fringe airs at 9 p.m.
Wednesday brings with it the return of last year’s hit on ABC, “Pushing Daisies,” about a pie maker with the strange gift of life; with one touch he can bring back the dead and with another he can return them to their previous state.
This season viewers have to wonder, will pie-maker Ned ever get to be with his childhood sweetheart Chuck, whom he resurrected in the pilot. Viewers will have to tune in at 8 p.m. to find out.
Thursday finds most of the evening’s programming gone due to this week’s presidential debate, but still there are some entertaining choices available, before and during the debate.
The only channel to offer full programming on Thursday is the CW. “Smallville” gives a look into the mysterious past of series regular Oliver Queen, otherwise known to viewers as Green Arrow. Smallville airs at 8p.m.
Then, at 9 p.m., “Supernatural” takes a retro turn as Angelic Castiel sends Dean back to 1973 where he comes face to face with teenage versions of his parents, Mary and John.
Also in the episodes, viewers of the show will finally discover some of the secrets in Mary’s life and her supposed connection to the supernatural.
Also, X-Files alumni Mitch Pileggi, guest stars as Dean’s grandfather who may hold more secrets than viewers expect.
For more show time listings, check out www.tvguide.com.

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