“The Night Stalker”: Things that go bump in the night

ABC, Thursdays at 9 p.m.

I wasn’t expecting much from this revamp of the beloved ’70s cult classic horror series. The reviews were mixed and the ratings, while acceptable, haven’t been through the roof. But without a great creepshow on the air right now, I decided to give it a shot.

Imagine my surprise at how scary the series actually is. I’m hooked.

“The Night Stalker” has quite a few writers from “The X-Files” working on it, and the show seems influenced by those wacky alien chasers. This brings the shows full circle since the original “The Night Stalker” was the show that mainly influenced “The X-Files” creator Chris Carter when he began writing that series.

The mysteries presented are suspenseful and creepy. One example is the episode when people were told by their dead loved ones to kill people. The direction and writing built a pitch-perfect tension because anyone could be talked to and anyone we see on screen could be influenced – and since there are only four regulars, anyone could die.

I don’t think I’ve been so close to the edge of my seat while watching a television show in years. Give the show a try. It’s not up against any ratings powerhouses and deserves one chance to scare you – that’s all it will need.

“Desperate Housewives”: Bree unleashed

ABC, Sundays at 9 p.m.

Just when I’m ready to write off this season of “Desperate Housewives,” last Sunday’s episode snapped me back into the fold.

Firstly, we get to see all the housewives (gasp) in more than one scene together! They interacted and talked about their problems and subplots, and the chemistry was back and better than ever!

Each of the leads had an especially good story this week as well. I care about Susan again after weeks of liking her less and less after her resilience in standing up for her friend; Lynette was smart without being annoying; Gabby was dumb without acting stupid.

Oh, and Bree, dear Bree.

I was on the verge of tears when you unleashed your venom at Rex in the cemetery. Me, the biggest manly man in all of Kent State was literally wiping my eye as you screamed about how he betrayed you.

You go, girlfriend.

As for this season’s big “mystery,” I continue to be intrigued without being completely sold on it. Why should I care about the guy locked in the basement who killed a woman when it has nothing to do with any of our beloved characters? Tie it into what we know and I’ll surrender fully.

Contact ALL correspondent Robert Taylor at [email protected].