The weeks are ticking by this TV season, and some surprise winners have surfaced.  Some have come and gone, but others remain to Hoover up any remaining ratings.

"Heroes" is a terrific hit and will garner viewers for NBC throughout the remainder of its season.  Although it competes directly with FOX's "24," I suspect the only folks to lose out on either will be those poor, antiquated souls without the blessing of a DVR.

"House" and "Justice" were two more FOX winners (in my eyes) this season, although it seems only the former escaped the falling axe.

After "Smallville's" hiatus, it has stormed back with a vengeance in what will likely be its last season.  It's CW counterparts "Gilmore Girls" (also likely ending in 2007) and "Veronica Mars" have lost quite a bit of ground this season, but continue to entertain during the busy Tuesday night.

Tuesday's battle rages on with CBS' "The Unit," a powerful military drama unlike any other released before.

USA has recently started its season with premieres of "Monk" and "Psych."  While I have been a series-long fan of "Monk," my frustration with last year's "Psych" has spilled into this year.  For such a promising story line, not a lot happens and the comedy falls flat.  This is disappointing from the network which brought us "The 4400" and "The Dead Zone," both starting their seasons soon.

Sunday night has become a surprisingly good evening of television, even after the finale of "Sunday Night Football."  While I admit to vehemently boycotting "Brothers and Sisters" due to its strong anti-war propaganda tilt, I have begun watching a rather haphazard and messy season of "Desperate Housewives" on ABC.  Natch, I watch this on DVR after seeing "The Apprentice: Los Angeles" 'live.'  "Without a Trace" is still decent, although much of the chemistry and character spark seems to be missing this year.

Saturday remains free for socialization and non-TV fun, so grab the spouse or loved one and head out for a night on the town on this weekend day.

I dislike the following shows immensely, and they earn no screen time or DVR space:  "Prison Break," "Grey's Anatomy," "Ugly Betty," "Survivor: Anywhere," and that show about #60 Sunset Strip, whatever it's called.

These shows warrant honorable mentions: "Deal or No Deal," "1 vs. 100," the hysterical "Boston Legal," and the guilty pleasure (and pretty bad show overall) "What About Brian?"

I hear the DVR clicking -- it's time to go catch up.