Cast from Season 2 of Brothers and Sisters, Sundays 9.30pm on Seven

So the first week of television ratings period is almost over. What did you watch? What did you enjoy? What did you loathe?

As I set myself for a big week of TV viewing, I found myself a little bit under whelmed after the hype of the summer when all the networks cry that they have the goods for the year.

The week started with the regulars returning. On Seven they decided to team Greys Anatomy with Brothers and Sisters on Sunday night. Intriguing mix considering B & S didn’t really set the world on fire ratings wise last year on a Monday so why would it be any different this year. And Greys looks set to once again give us all we expect, drama, tears, laughter and more of that incredibly sexy Alex. mmmmm

Matthew Rhys plays Kevin Walker

Anyway back to the week. Brothers and Sisters actually delivered for me. The whole Kevin romantic scenes with the minister were great but now he is off to Malaysia so what will Kevin do, I'm sure Scottie is just around the corner somewhere, and Justin looks like he may have been hit for six in Iraq, will be some tears in coming episodes.

Speaking of being hit for six, Nine decided that cricket would open their year on the box and they delivered in the ratings for Sunday night, but not sure whether I could see many more of these games. 20/20 has an appeal that is killing one day cricket, maybe nine needs to exert a little bit more pressure to create more of those.

And what about So you think you can dance on Ten. As I wrote two weeks ago, the jury would be out on this show and on host Natalie Bassingthwaight. The show is slick and well produced and Nat has given us some great moments and looks polished and professional. Now thanks for the pre-packaged clip shows of the auditions (Which was completed last year), its time for the real show to begin, live eviction shows start this week, this will show us for once and for all whether both the show and Nat have what it takes......By the way, 1.6 million Australians are choosing it every night and the talent on show is sensational; I think its already heading the list this year.

There were so many new and returning shows this week it’s hard to touch on them all. A quick review might help. Happy to receive your own crits as well.

Superb perv and great individual stories each week, put Supernatural away and turn to SBS on a Monday at 10

A year with the royal family - Started strongly but will need to pull on the royal robes to keep the audience interested
The Biggest Loser - May be losing its appeal, I still can’t find a way to enjoy more than two minutes of it
Good News Week - Had some great guests to start with, and some laughs early, but will still be lucky to last the year
CSI: New York - So 2003
Skins - Superb perv and great individual stories each week, put Supernatural away and turn to SBS on a Monday at 10
It Takes Two - Something is starting to grow in Grant Denyer's hair, it’s a sight to be seen
The Chopping Block - Enough was said in the weekend press about Catriona Rowntree's performance to last a lifetime, love the concept but the host needs a makeover
Back to You - Kelsey Grammar was superb and this could be a surprise hit for Ten
Underbelly - For those in Victoria that missed the opening episode, just look forward to when you finally get to see it, has HIT written all over it. hmmm not the best choice of words
Out of the Question - Not funny, not funny, and not funny

For two programs I have left this final paragraphs to give completely different critiques.

Nines new Monster House hit the screen on Tuesday night up against It Takes Two. The promo said it is Australia's freakiest family. The Webbs, lure unsuspecting and ordinary Aussies into their crazy world. If you watched the premiere then I’m afraid to tell you that’s one hour of your life you will never get back.

Things start to get stranger and stranger as members of the public come into the house to help the family. It was full of skits that meant nothing by people who in their own rights may be funny, but just are not in this show. With an average of only 793,000 people watching in prime time on a Tuesday night across the country, this show will be lucky to last to the end of week two. If K. Packer was still alive it may have not even made it to 8.30pm last Tuesday.

However, the delight of the week was Nightcap, the Channel Seven show that has been made specifically just for their High Definition Digital Channel. Hosted by Matt White and Monique Wright, it is a news, comment, comedy and sketch show all in one which has all the look and feel of a typical Adam Boland (Sunrise producer) production. Slick, colourful and written so well that the panel are easily able to bring their own personalities to the table. The panel consists of White and Wright, Paul Murray from Triple M Sydney fame, "Boned" Jessica Rowe and last years Big Brother runner-up Zach Douglas. Now you might say what a strange mix...YES but it works.

Zach Douglas from Seven's Night Cap

If you don’t have 7HD you can also watch it live in streaming mode on the yahoo7 website and the feed is great and you don’t see ads (The picture fades to a camera perched high up behind the desk so you can see what goes on in the ad breaks while the viewers watch ads). Its obviously rough around the edges considering it’s only had two nights, but give it a try on HD or online and you may just go to bed with a smile on your face.

The Watcher

Tags: Brothers and Sisters, Grey's Anatomy, Matthew Rhys, Monster House, Night Cap, So You Think You Can Dance, television ratings, Zach Douglas