Clockwise from top left: LAN/Retna (Simon), iStockphoto (Angels); MTV Movie Blog; New Line; HBO

Looking back on a week in which we got kind of excited about some big, furry monsters…

Ben Affleck, Gus Van Sant, Wynton Marsalis, Tom Perrotta, and Gina Gershon: What do they all have in common? Well, they all talked to us, and also none of them have warehouses full of lingerie, as far as we know.

We're pretty excited about The Wire, and we're not the only ones! Meanwhile, also on HBO, is it getting hot in here, or is it just Jane Alexander?

The Wall Street Journal somehow got hold of Bill Watterson. The New York Times somehow got hold of the secrets of black movie audiences. Ben Silverman somehow got hold of his rivals' children. And a self-published author somehow got hold of $2 million. (Or was it $2.5?)

Who will be nominated for Oscars this year? Surprisingly, maybe Ben Affleck, unlike some other actors turned directors. A certain food blogger among us speaks up valiantly in defense of The Cable Guy. Alas, he is wrong.