I know at this time of year the networks are trying to build excitement for the season finales. But somehow, I find myself just too exhausted from this season of TV.

It all started in the fall with the typical new and returning programs plus a few cast changes. Mandy Patinkin’s failure to show up caused a panic on the set of Criminal Minds. It was like missing the first day of the new school year! You miss showing off your new outfit and checking out how much everyone has grown. It just isn’t done.

Then came the rumble in the jungle, word of a potential strike. Suddenly, seasons were being shortened and studios were stockpiling episodes. The writers’ jaunt to the picket lines put an end to a disappointing Season 2 of Heroes – for which writer/producer Tim Kring has begged forgiveness. And the weeks leading into the new year became a surreal countdown of “how many new episodes left in your favourite show.”

In January, viewers were force-fed extra helpings of reality TV. Not part of the striking set, reality writers pumped out new shows while American Idol and The Biggest Loser took advantage of this new television diet. Proving that pigs really can fly, Howie became king and Paula remained employed. Meanwhile, programs that would have been yanked from the schedule continued to clog the airwaves regardless of ratings.

While productions were mothballed, stars found other creative outlets. Kiefer Sutherland’s vacation at the Glendale City Jail meant an orange Christmas for Jack Bauer. Unfortunately, upon exiting the licence plate factory, Sutherland discovered that 24 had been shelved for another 12.

Three months and a couple of ruined awards shows later, the strike ended and a new countdown began for the return of your favourite shows. But what of those mid-season replacements that helped us through the rough patches? Law & Order was a revelation, a return to its heyday of clever dialogue and male partner chemistry. (It’s rare that I get to turn a phrase like that.) Others just seemed to be swept out of the way.

And then Lord Stanley and his cup appeareth. While viewers are constantly complaining to me about the cool weather and why the heck snow’s still falling, Canada’s celebrating its winter sport! Which means the schedule changes by the day depending on the location of a hockey puck!

Meanwhile, we’ve got finales throughout May. But not your typical finales; one-, two-, even three-hour specials stretched over two or more weeks! (Does the third last week of a season even qualify as a finale?)

But it’s almost over. Fortunately, summer is right around the corner – as is So You Think You Can Dance. I know Nigel will make it all better!