You know, the long hot days of summer used to be filled with little to no quality television. Well, thanks in large part to basic cable, that is no longer the case. I used to look forward to the tv"off-season." I could use the time to recharge my television-obsessed brain. But now: eight, that's the number of shows I'm watching this year.

The Kill Pt. (SPIKE), though this is actually a mini-series.

Saving Grace (TNT), looks nice and weird-the way I like 'em

Damages (FX), I'm looking forward to watching the show unfold via flashbacks

Rescue Me (FX), Denis Leary writing/producing, 'nuff said

Burn Notice (USA), fits the network brand of dramedy

Mad Men (amc), sexual politics amid the dawning of the sexual revolution? Awesome.

PSYCH (USA), Corbin Bernsen playing straight-man to the goofy antics of Hill and Roday

Monk (USA), this one I'll probably stick with until it's over

One word about thissummer's offerings:Wow!