GEEKED

I've finally started to remember to record "Legion of Super-Heroes" on Saturday mornings while we're at the Y for Grant's swimming class. You would think I wouldn't have a problem recalling a cartoon based on my all-time favorite comic book but it's all about habits. Anyway, I'm glad I finally got my act together? Why? The Legion of Substitute Heroes.

The episode, "The Substitutes," featured tryouts for the Legion and it was set up just like the early days of the comic with the Legionnaires sitting up high and with their names in front of their seats. There were many characters from the comics trying out, most of them with inept powers. The Legion rejected almost everyone but did admit two new members - Matter Eater Lad and Star Boy (though a different Star Boy than the comics). Several of the rejected members decided to band together and do what they could to fight crime, thanks to some encouragment from Bouncing Boy. Porcupine Pete, Infectious Lass, Chlorophyll Kid, Color Kid and Stone Boy went up against Starfinger while the regular Legion dealt with a potentially disastrous problem in space. Naturally, the two problems turned out to be related and the Legion was able to prevail with the help of the rejects. Thus, the Legion of Substitute Heroes is born.

I was a pure fanboy throughout the episode, especially when the Legion called in reserves like Tyroc and Element Lad and Blok...Blok! It was so much fun. And what's cool is that Grant really likes the show. I can only hope that there will be action figures - I would kill for a Porcupine Pete! When the season 1 DVD comes out, it will be purchased immediately. And the good news? It's been renewed for a second season. Yay!

"Lost" has come roaring back the past two weeks and I hope it shuts up all those naysayers who have been complaining about the show. I sometimes think people want "Lost" to be what they want it to be and not the show that it is. We are going to get answers but they're going to be at the writers' pace and not the pace we want; in addition, those answers are probably going to come with more questions. I do hope that the creators are allowed to decide an ending point so they can structure the story they way they want (they are having talks with ABC about that topic). All of that aside, what's been on the screen the last two weeks has been fantastic. Desmond's "flashback" was mind-blowing in the all the ways that "Lost" can hook you. I can't wait to see what comes next.

Finally, I loved last week's episode of "The Office," which was directed by Joss Whedon. It juxtaposed Michael talking to Ryan's class at business school with the shenanigans of Dwight trying to capture a bat that had made its way into the office. It featured a great prank from Jim and was all tied together at the end with a touching moment between Michael and a discouraged Pam, who had her first art exhibit. A fantastic half hour of television.