What's working ... September 8

1. "Fringe" on Fox. It's not "Lost," though it's from the same producer, but it has an appealing cast (including the crazy old guy) and imaginative special effects that just might shake the paranormal thriller out of its post-"X-Files" funk. The premiere repeats Sunday on Fox.

2. Letterman staying on past 2010. In his first interview in a decade, Dave was gracious toward Conan and Jay and said he might just keep coasting. You know, in case NBC's plan doesn't go as planned.

3. "The Shield: The Final Act." It's pulling low ratings in its final season, so here's a plug for what will no doubt be a Vic Mackey flameout to remember.

... AND WHAT'S NOT:

1. Male-dominated coverage of Sarah Palin. The GOP ticket-filler needs to start answering some questions (like, how old she thinks the Earth is). But one question I have for her sharpest critics: Why do so few in the progressive media share Palin's gender?

2. MSNBC's debacle. Keith Olbermann won't be anchoring its debate or election-night coverage after GOP delegates scapegoated NBC for all its media woes.

3. The CW network. With "Top Model" tanking and a raft of new series showing a huge dip in quality, the CW stands for "can't wait until CBS kills it off."