Tom Jicha’s TV Plus

Doesn’t it almost seem Scotty McCreery has been destined to win “American Idol” since day one?

Poor Lauren Alaina. Her only hope seems to be that ridiculous “Idol” decisions” come in threes. The last two defied explanation: Kris Allen over Adam Lambert and Lee DeWyze over Crystal Bowersox.

Lauren wouldn’t be as unworthy a winner as the past two but if her name is called Wednesday it will cap a season of shocking decisions.

Allen and DeWyze have turned out to be modest successes, to be especially generous.

I see more of the same no matter who wins this season. As long as there are state fairs and Branson, Mo., Scotty and Lauren will be able to make a good living performing for years to come. But I don’t see either as the next Carrie Underwood, “Idol’s” only previous country winner.

As has happened in previous seasons, it’s more likely that some of the also-rans will have bigger careers. Pia Toscano for sure. Maybe James Durbin, too. Haley Reinhart reportedly is already set to release a single, which she will introduce on Wednesday’s results show.

(A reminder: “Idol” this week is back to its old Tuesday-Wednesday schedule. The Nielsen ratings season ends Wednesday. No way Fox was going to squander the huge “Idol” finale outside the official season.)

Here are the previous nine winners: Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen and Lee DeWyze.

Where do you think this season’s winner will rank in this group?

Michael Steele, who used to be on the Fox News Channel as often as Karl Rove and Sarah Palin, has jumped to the other side–professionally.

MSNBC has signed the former head of the Republican National Committee as a regular political analyst. He will be available to all the network’s programs, apparently to represent the thinking of the other side during the runup to the 2012 elections.

Q. What’s the teenie, tiny chance we will start seeing weekly comedy series similar to “All In The Family” or “The Jeffersons”? They were laugh out loud funny. We have to settle for reruns. As the “All in the Family” theme goes, “Those were the days.” At present, there aren’t any shows that even compare to them. L.G.

A. There might never be a show to compare to “All in the Family.” In many ways it was the most important, ground-breaking comedy ever, in addtion to being laugh out loud funny. “The Jeffersons” was also funny but not in the class of “All in the Family.” Comedy is a matter of taste but if you don’t find “Modern Family,” “The Big Bang Theory” and, before Charlie Sheen lost his mind, “Two and a Half Men” amusing and entertaining, you are a tough audience.

Thoughts on the broadcast network’s new fall schedules:

Remember, all the fall schedules are works in progress. Every season at least one series is announced that never gets onto the air. This past season it was “Love Bites” on NBC, which might surface this summer to be burned off. Also, don’t get too attached to any new programs. ABC and NBC struck out totally with last fall’s new series, Fox and the CW are bringing back one apiece. Thanks in part to the strong support they got from established hits, CBS returns 3 of 5.

The final nail has been driven into Saturday night. Fox was the last network to program Saturday with all original series. The reduction of “America’s Most Wanted” to quarterly specials, with series reruns filling the gaps, means all four major networks are writing off the night. Although there are some half-hearted efforts on the drawing board, Friday is next.

Don’t bother pointing out that “Rules of Engagement” will open Saturday. This is not a trend-bucker. CBS needs one more season to get the sitcom to about 100 episodes, the magic number for syndication. The dearth of lasting sitcoms in recent years has local stations paying inflated prices for reruns of anything resembling a successful sitcom. CBS will bite the bullet on Saturdays this season, then reap the rewards in syndication sales.

The new regime at NBC must really hate “Harry’s Law.” It didn’t want to put the show on the air in the first place then was pleasantly (or unpleasantly) surprised that it turned into one of the network’s brightest lights. Its reward? Next season it will air on Wednesday at 9 p.m., against “Criminal Minds,” “The X Factor” (and “American Idol” if it lasts that long) and “Modern Family.” There is no way it can succeed there, which will give NBC the excuse it needs to kill it.

For what it’s worth, two new series for fall feature actors who have played the daunting role of Jesus Christ. James Caviezel, who is in CBS’s new drama “Persons of Interest,” played Jesus in “The Passion of the Christ.” Jeremy Sisto, who’s in the ABC comedy “Suburgatory,” had the title role in the TV movie “Jesus Christ.”

The new CW series “Ringer,” which brings Sarah Michelle Gellar back to TV, was originally ticketed for CBS. With so few holes to fill, CBS let it go to sister network the CW. Given Gellar’s enduring popularity from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” it wouldn’t be surprising if “Ringer” turns out to be a big hit for the CW. Why CBS and the CW don’t work together more is a mystery. A show like “The Defenders,” which was cut by CBS, would be one of the biggest shows on the CW if it moved there and drew merely half its CBS audience.

I have a suggestion for “How I Met Your Mother.” Ted is still looking for a wife. How about Lyndsy Fonseca, one of the two “kids” you see Ted (actually Bob Saget) talking to at the beginning of each episode? Lyndsy was 18, playing about 3-5 years younger, when that scene was shot in 2005. She’s 24 now, a hot young actress. You can check her out as Alex on “Nikita.” Wouldn’t it make sense that “the child” on the couch would look like her mother? She, of course, would have to play another character but she’s changed so much it wouldn’t be noticable. It’s not incest if she’s playing a different woman and the series would get a “mother”-lode of publicity.

It’s not the best segue after a suggestion like that, but why are we worrying about any of this. Judgement Day is going to come Saturday at 6 p.m. anyway, according to some bizarre religious sect with a billboard on the Turnpike. (I’m going to be really ticked if I’m alive in Pick 3’s to the Preakness, which has a post time of 6:25.)

Q. I am so upset about the cancellation of “Brothers and Sisters.” It was one of my favorite shows. It had, I thought, the most wonderful ensemble cast on TV. It was always such a treat to see Sally Field. I can’t imagine what they could find that would be better to follow “Desperate Housewives.” My Sunday evening viewing just won’t be the same. J.G., Fort Lauderdale

A. I didn’t share your enthusiasm for “Brothers and Sisters.” I found the characters self-pitying and whiney. I appreciate that it was a soap but these people were constantly depressed about something. But I know there are many, like yourself, who disagree and enjoyed the series. It’s cancellation was not a surprise. It was so widely assumed that this was the final season, it would have been a shock if it had been renewed. ABC is replacing it with a titillating fable set in the milieu of glamorous air travel in the ’60s, “Pan Am.”

The “American Idol” finale should be on Country Music TV instead of Fox.

Country kids Scotty McCreery, 17, and Lauren Alaina, 16, will battle it out next week to become the tenth “American Idol.” It was the outcome I had hoped for since James Durbin was eliminated in the round of four.

If Alaina wins, she will be the youngest Idol ever. Jordin Sparks, the last female winner, was 17 when she won season six. McCreery would be two months older than Sparks was.

Haley Reinhart, who fought her way back from Bottom 3 jeopardy four times to make the final three, became the odd one out Thursday.

The heavily padded results show, a preview of what’s to come in next Wednesday’s finale, dawdled through most of the hour. Ryan Seacrest didn’t get to the only thing that mattered until 8:53.

“The first person with a shot at the title,” Seacrest said, “is…Scotty McCreery.”

So much for the possibility of an all-girl final, which would have been the first since season three, when Fantasia won the title over Diana Degarmo.

It was almost a miracle that two girls made the final three. There were seven women in the final 13. Five were eliminated in the first five weeks.

Next week was set when Ryan said, “The person who will compete with Scotty in the final is…Lauren Alaina.”

Haley, who was lavishly praised by the judges Wednesday, stood motionless and expressionless as if she didn’t believe what had happened.

Just a reminder. Idol has gone to a Wednesday-Thursday schedule this season. However, the Nielsen TV season ends Wednesday, so next week it will revert to the old Tuesday-Wednesday agenda.

Who do you like. You can either tell me who you think will win or who you think should win. You can’t have it both ways.

I’ve been saying since Pia Toscano was voted out that it should be a Scotty-James Durbin finale. With James knocked out in the round of four, I’m going to stick with Scotty.

Katie Couric’s closing night at the CBS Evening News anchor desk is Thursday and she’s going out with a significant “get,” one of her heroines, Hillary Clinton.

The Secretary of State will be debriefed by Couric only hours after President Obama’s policy speech on the Middle East.

Scott Pelly is not expected to take over the anchor chair until June 6 but this is subject to change.

As Katie departs, what are your feelings toward her and the job she did as the first female solo anchor of a major network newscast?

The CW rolled out one of the most aggressive schedules in the mini-network’s history Thursday.

Changes will be made on all five nights the CW schedules. Four new series–three dramas and a reality show–will debut and “America’s Next Top Model” will stage its first all-star edition.

“90210″ moves to Tuesday and rookie returnee “Nikita” shifts to Friday. “One Tree Hill” will return at midseason for what is beng billed as its final half-season.

Last fall’s other rookie, “Hellcats,” has been canceled and “Smallville” ended its run.

Familiar stars headline two of the new dramas. Sarah Michelle Gellar, best known as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” stars in “Ringer,” a tale of a woman on the run, who assumes her sister’s identity only to discover her sister is also in peril.

Rachel Bilson reunites with Josh Schwartz, creator of “The O.C.,” in “Hart of Dixie.” Bilson plays a New York doctor, who relocates to a small town in the South.

The third drama, “The Secret Circle,” focuses on a young woman who discovers she is a witch.

The reality series, “H8R”–”hater”–allows fans to confront celebrities.

The CW still does not have a comedy series.

Here is the CW starting lineup for fall:

Monday–8, Gossip Girl, 9, Hart of Dixie.

Tuesday–8, 90210, 9, Ringer.

Wednesday–8, H8R, 9, America’s Next Top Model.

Thursday–8, The Vampire Diaries, 9, The Secret Circle.

Friday–8, Nikita, 9, Supernatural.

What do you think?

Haley Reinhart took a tiny tumble down stairs and Lauren Alaina ripped her panty hose just before performing in a short dress. Those mishaps, inconsequential as they were, were the most memorable moments of “American Idol’s” round of three Wednesday.

The performances were all pleasant but there were no “Wow! moments, as hard as the judges, who resumed serving more as cheerleaders, tried to convey otherwise.

If anything, the semifinal round was like a political debate. If you came in favoring one of the remaining trio, you probably went away feeling the same way.

Randy Jackson probably established a personal best (or worst), exclaiming five times in nine opportunities, (Fill in the name) “is in it to win it.” He should be embarrassed to cash his paycheck.

The show was segmented into three rounds: a personal choice, a Jimmy Iovine selection and a final song picked by the Gang of Three.

Scotty McCreery was good, better, best doing “Amazed,” then “Are You Going to Kiss Me or Not” and finally “She Believes in Me.” The latter challenged him to take his voice places it hasn’t been, which was the judges’ goal, and he was more than up to it.

Lauren Alaina got off to a fun-filled start with “Wild One,” a tune she’s been singing, she said, she was a little girl. She’s 16.

Next she did “If I Die Young,” overcoming the buzz-kill lyrics. Like Scotty, she killed with her final tune, “I Hope You Dance.”

If I was a cynic I would wonder if the judges got down sizable wagers on Haley Reinhart. They keep seeing and hearing things I don’t. Granted, it has been said many times that the live show is far different than what you get at home.

The judges fell all over themselves praising Haley’s opener, “What It Is and What It Should Never Be.” I thought it was the weakest of round one, they thought it was the best.

Randy, J-Lo and Steven weren’t as generous with their praise for “Rhiannon,” which I thought was the highlight of her night.

They fell back in love with her final performance, “You Oughta Know,” which to me was customarily screechy.

To me, the final two is no contest: Scotty and Lauren.

I doubt this would be the judges’ choice.

It’s probably not what a lot of you would opt for, either. The floor is open.

CBS will add five new series in the fall, three dramas and two comedies. But the big news from its schedule announcement Wednesday is a couple of bold scheduling ploys.

“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” in the twilight of its run, has been shifted away from its long-time Thursday home to close Wednesday.

Also, “The Good Wife” moves from Tuesday to Sunday at 9 p.m., where it will face off against “Desperate Housewives.” Another potential problem for fans, who will record one and watch the other, is Sunday night series on CBS rarely start on time in the fall because of football overruns.

“The Good Wife” also will be against the seemingly invincible time-period winner, “Sunday Night Football” on NBC. All of this assumes labor problems will be resolved and there will be a football season.

In a lesser scheduling gambit, CBS has moved “Rules of Engagement” to the leadoff slot on Saturday, the first scripted series on a major network on Saturday in years. It will lead into the customary comedy and drama reruns.

Canceled series include “Mad Love,” “The Defenders,” “(Bleep) My Father Says” and the spinoff “Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior.”

Three of last fall’s five new series are back: “Hawaii Five O,” “Blue Bloods” and “Mike & Molly.”

“Undercover Boss” is not on the schedule but will return at midseason.

“2 Broke Girls,” a female buddy comedy about a couple of New York waitresses, takes over the 8:30 Monday slot. Numerologists might find it interesting that “2 Broke Girls” will lead into “2 1/2 Men.”

“How To Be a Gentleman,” which inherits the post-”Big Bang Theory” slot on Thursday, is an “Odd Couple”-like comedy about the friendship between a refined writer and unsophisticated personal trainer.

Also new to Thursday is the drama “Persons of Interest,” which CBS says is the highest testing drama pilot it has had in 15 years. Michael Emerson of “Lost” plays a billionaire techie, who devises a computer program which identifies people about to be involved in a crime. The hook is, he doesn’t know if it will be as a victim or a perp. Jim Caviezel co-stars as the investigator he enlists.

“A Gifted Man,” the new Friday leadoff hitter, also delves into the inexplicable. A doctor is assisted professionally and personally by his dead ex-wife, who appears from the beyond.

Poppy Montgomery returns to CBS in “Unforgettable.” The popular actress from “Without a Trace” stars as a detective, who can remember every small detail from her life except for one traumatic event. Dylan Walsh plays her partner.

A big question CBS did not answer is how Ashton Kutcher will be worked into “Two and a Half Men,” which remains anchored on Monday at 9 p.m.

The CBS lineup for fall:
Sunday: 7, 60 Minutes, 8, The Amazing Race, 9, The Good Wife, 10, CSI: Miami.

Monday: 8, How I Met Your Mother, 8:30, 2 Broke Girls, 9, 2 1/2 Men, 9:30 Mike & Molly, 10, Hawaii Five-O.

Tuesday: 8, NCIS, 9, NCIS:L.A., 10, Unforgettable.

Wednesday: 8, Survivor, 9, Criminal Minds, 10, CSI.

Thursday: 8, The Big Bang Theory, 8:30, How To Be a Gentleman, 9, Persons of Interest, 10, The M0entalist.
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Friday: 8, A Gifted Man, 9, CSI:NY; 10, Blue Bloods.

Saturday: 8, Rules of Engagement, 8:30 comedy reruns, 9 drama reruns, 10, 48 Hour Mysteries.