Back from a mini-break on Wednesday night

I apologize for slacking a little for the past few days. I've been pretty busy writing my column for the newspaper and working on little television blurbs here and there, but I promise I'll be back and in full force tomorrow night in time for the "Pushing Daisies" premiere!

I also have some "Grey's Anatomy" goodies that'll take me lifetime and a half to upload, but I promise all you diehard "Grey's" fans, that you won't be sorry. Also, the sneak peek of "Dirty Sexy Money" will be up (hopefully) before the premiere tomorrow, so keep your eyes peeled for that.

Just so you guys will believe that I have been keeping tabs on some shows that just premiered and ones I've been watching, here are some of my quick takes:

- Sunday's "Brothers & Sisters" third season premiere started off the same, but who doesn't like watching sparring siblings try to keep secrets hidden, fighting over the family business and mucking their relationships up? My favorite TV couple, Scotty and Kevin, almost surpasses the adorableness of Jim and Pam from "The Office" with their quick-witted banter. (I did say almost right?) [First Impression: 7/10]

- Is it just me or is "Chuck" just getting better and better as the episodes (and seasons) continue? Monday's premiere was full of what we all love - Chuck getting into a mound of crap, Chuck and Sarah moving two millimeters closer to being more than just co-workers, Chuck and Morgan planning out an elaborate Call of Duty battle plan and Chuck saving the day ... as Charles Carmichael, which actually worked. Take note my amateur spy friends, take note. [First Impression: 8/10]

- I had to watch Monday's "Gossip Girl" episode because of "How I Met Your Mother" (sorry "GG" fans!), but I did manage to watch most of it this afternoon. In my mind, "Gossip Girl" can do no wrong and it proved that with this Fashion Week-centric ep. It was entertaining, funny and complete with quotable one-liners. Who doesn't love that? But, where was Nate and Vanessa? [First Impression: 7.5/10]

- Tonight's episode of "Privileged" ("Fringe" will be viewed tomorrow afternoon) was so damn adorable, I don't even know what to do with myself. The characters are perfectly cast and the dialogue is neither stupid nor overwhelming to the viewer. Though previous episodes certainly paved the way for a possible love triangle between Megan, her best friend Charlie (so adorable) and hot, wealthy neighbor Will, this only cemented that fact - only now, it's more of a ... love rhombus? [First Impression: 8.5/10]

- I missed the first 20 minutes of "House" because I was at dinner at Philippe's with my roommate but I can already tell this episode is filled with sarcastic zings from the limping doc himself and comparable comebacks from his private investigator slash new best friend. [First Impression: 9/10]

On a lighter note, "How I Met Your Mother" was great. Who knew Reeg could act so well? (Kidding, sort of.)

New (and old) castings, guest stars ramp up several TV shows

Let's do a rundown of some of the noteworthy casting news that have been making the rounds lately:

- "Chuck" has cast Captain Awesome's parents. Morgan Fairchild will play Devin's mother and Bruce Boxleitner will play his father. Let me just say, the Awesomes are a good-looking brood.

- While we're on the topic of "Chuck," here is a list of notable guest stars who will be appearing all season long: Melinda Clarke, Tony Hale, Nicole Richie, Jordana Brewster, Michael Clarke Duncan and John Larroquette.

- According to E!'s Kristin Dos Santos, Serena van der Woodsen will have a new love interest this season on "Gossip Girl" and an integral character in the books, Aaron Rose, played by John Patrick Amedori ("Stick It"). Yay or nay?

- Also in "Gossip" news, word has it that Willa Holland ("The O.C.") will play a young model who meets Jenny Humphrey during her internship at Eleanor Waldorf Designs. Apparently she's not that innocent.

- Jennifer Aniston is set to guest star on "30 Rock." Super stoked on this one. Oh, and Oprah is in talks to make an appearance as well.

- Sarah Drew, a favorite on "Everwood," will be joining the cast of "Private Practice" for a multi-episode run. She will be spending lots and lots of time with Dell, the young midwife at the private hospital.