Well, things aren't actually that bad, but the new fall season has been gloomy for the networks thus far. Only two shows have gotten ratings high enough to be considered hits, and the shows — NBC's Bionic Woman and ABC's Private Practice — air against each other. Every other show — from highly hyped Dirty Sexy Money and Gossip Girl to the Greatest Show Ever on TV, Kid Nation — has managed ratings ranging from mediocre to dire.

"Hopes are high among the broadcasters that a breakout hit could be found among the October premieres, including ABC's critical fave Pushing Daisies," writes the Hollywood Reporter. With a cast that includes Chi McBride, Swoosie Kurtz, and Kristin Chenoweth, and rave reviews from everyone — including us, and also Alessandra Stanley, once she stops complaining about Amelie — maybe Pushing Daisies can break out of the pack. On the other hand, Bryan Fuller was responsible for another quirky, well-cast, critically lauded new show a few seasons ago. And how did Wonderfalls work out, again?

TV season holds out for a hero [HR]
Loner Finds He Has a Touch for Piemaking and Undeadmaking [NYT]

Earlier: ABC's ‘Pushing Daisies’: Bringing the Dead Back to Life