» 24

Friday the 13th seems like the perfect time to offer our condolences to some of TV's unluckiest characters. Oh, they try their best to lead happy, healthy lives, but their karma will have none of it.

Instead, these poor souls are destined to sweat, strain and struggle their way through life as best they can, whether it's cleaning up the blood of loved ones or looking into a dismal future.

Read on for our sympathy notes to a few unfortunate souls on the tube...

This week's 'V' debut episode on ABC has some dazzling moments, including a few that may shock and surprise even viewers with vivid memories of the original 1983 miniseries. But does it belong on the list of all-time great TV series premiere episodes? Compare and contrast with the list below, featuring 10 of our favorite TV pilot episodes of all time.



10. 'The O.C.'
"Welcome to the O.C., bitch," says snobby jock Luke (Chris Carmack) to poor newcomer Ryan (Benjamin McKenzie). "This is how it's done in Orange County." For that exchange alone, this episode belongs in the pilot Hall of Fame.

Heads up, '24' fans: Logan's back. In a reprise of his Emmy-nominated performance as Pres. Charles Logan, Gregory Itzin is set to wreak a bit more havoc this January.

Itzin's character will be a part of a multi-episode story arc, which should come as a surprise to most fans. He was last seen at the end of season 6, flat-lining en route to the hospital. But, as evil often is hard to kill, we learned that Logan survived. At the beginning of season 7, Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) was alerted to this fact, but didn't have to worry too much, as his absence was explained by the simple fact of his being on house arrest.

Fox is negotiating a deal with Simon Cowell to bring 'The X Factor' to the U.S., the CW renews 'One Tree Hill' for a full season, 'SNL''s Jim Breuer lands a new deal with NBC and more of today's top TV headlines.

Comic-Con has come and gone, leaving fans with plenty of casting news, hints and spoilers to get them ready for the upcoming TV season.

What's going to happen on 'Chuck'? Who's coming back to 'Lost'?

Check out the biggest stories from Comic-Con 2009.

'24' has been named the most addictive TV show of all-time. See the full list while the clock is still ticking [Telegraph]

The votes are in: See who is America's most trusted newscaster, post-Walter Cronkite [Time]

Amidst Paula Abdul's latest media firestorm, PopEater wonders: Who could possibly fill her 'Idol' throne? (Our vote: anyone but Kara DioGuardi) [PopEater]

In case you missed it: See the hilarious Tracy Morgan talk Emmys on 'Letterman' [YouTube]

'The Jay Leno Show' is getting a jump-start on its Sept. 14 premiere. Check out the official website [NBC]

The American Bar Association recently voted on the best legal shows ever. Get the verdict (No 'Ally McBeal'? We object!) [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

In the battle of the deadliest fantasy warrior, who wins: Buffy or Xena? [Torch Online]

'Lost' fans determined to solve the show's mysteries may have just found a new way to get schooled [Lost University]

We loved Melissa and Ade's emotional dance on 'So You Think You Can Dance.' But was it overpraised? [PopWatch]

Should TV remakes bring back characters from the original? [Buzz Sugar]

'Lost' alum Mark Pellegrino lands one hell of a role, Missy Peregrym joins a new ABC cop drama, Lea Thompson returns to the small screen and more TV news.

Here's a taste of what's coming out on DVD this week:

'24' (Season 7)

What the Season's About: Day 7 fast forwards four years to find the CTU dismantled and Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) on trial in Washington, D.C. A national security crisis and potential White House conspiracy force the FBI and Jack to spring into action.

Why You Should Check It Out: Fans of the show think this is one of the series' best seasons yet. Plus, you'll have plenty of time to get caught up before season 8 begins in January 2010.

Did Jack Bauer survive the day? Discuss the shocking turn of events in the season seven finale of '24'!

A head butt is part of just another day at the office for Jack Bauer, but '24' star Kiefer Sutherland may be facing some serious consequences for his alleged head-butting of Proenza Schouler fashion designer Jack McCullough in New York earlier this week.

The New York Daily News reports that Sutherland will turn himself in to the NYPD today, where he'll be issued a desk ticket and allowed to go on his way without immediate jail time or any restrictions on his freedom to travel.

But there could be a glitch or two down the road, as Sutherland is currently on probation for a 2007 DUI conviction that led to him serving 48 days in jail in Los Angeles. An L.A. city attorney tells People.com that Sutherland's NYC incident could lead to more jail time in L.A. if he's found to be in violation of his five-year parole sentence and if he was intoxicated at the time.