Batten down the hatches, here comes fall TV!

If you notice a drop-off in blogging the next day or two, that's because my laptop and I are ensconced in front of the big TV in the living room, watching an avalanche of fall shows that touch down in the next week or two. I'll be banging out reviews to help you decide what to watch and what to skip, as well as delving into bag'o'interviews with stars and creators that I brought back from press tour.

Among the shows having series or season premieres next week alone are "Gossip Girl" and "One Tree Hill," "Prison Break," "90210," "Bones" and "Sons of Anarchy," and the final season of "The Shield" (right). And that's just Monday through Wednesday! We're also less than two weeks away from the debuts of "True Blood" and "Fringe" and the season premiere of "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles!"

So while you're enjoying the last days of summer, I'll be sitting inside with the shades drawn and remote in hand, working for you! And still, I'll keep an eye out for major TV news to bring your way. Here are a few items worth reading this morning...

• The fourth judge on "American Idol" begins her duties.
• Morgan Fairchild and more guest-cast on "Chuck."
• A spinoff for "Tyler Perry's House of Pain"? At least someone is programming for African-Americans.
• A little Jim-and-Pam poop for "The Office" Jammers.
• Her manager just wants to be sure we know, Britney will not perform on the VMAs this year. Oh darn, there goes my whole weekend.