A List Of Things Thrown Five Minutes Ago

REASON WHY NOT TO WATCH #3: I know you've been wondering: There are so many midseason shows premiering lately, so what should I watch? Well, here's a run-down thus far:

• The Book of Daniel--Too dull to be worthy of controversy, this "Desperate Housewives with an Episcopal Priest!" meanders around to no real accomplishment or notable acting, despite a distinguished cast. A disappointment.
• Four Kings--Until Survivor: Exile Island starts, your non-Dancing With The Stars options on Thursdays from 8 to 9 are slim, and this utterly formulaic, but nicely cast and acted sitcom seems a pleasant enough way to while away 22 minutes before Beauty And The Geek, though Seth Green, with his character that seems like a knock-off of How I Met Your Mother's Barney, can grate. (And speaking of HIMYM, didn't Ashley Williams look much better with the pixie cut than she does with the flowing locks?)
• Emily's Reasons Why Not--Sure, it's merely servicable, and way too dependent on Heather Graham's voiceover, but there are funny moments, and the show has a nice visual style, what with the "Reasons Why Not" getting visual depictions, and a few moments of surrealism and fantasy. If the writing can be as sharp as parts of the promotional campaign (such as the poster that simply says "Reason Why Not #47: Because It's Mean. Funny, but mean."), this could have potential, especially if they're willing to bite on some of the more surreal moments in the pilot. Unless you're a 24 addict (which I've never been), it's probably the best option in the timeslot.
• Courting Alex--Well, if you're going to be watching Emily, this looks like a decent option at 9:30, though I remain uncertain of Jenna Elfman's ability to play the "uptight" character in a sitcom.
• Love Monkey--Yes, it has a murderous timeslot (Scrubs, House, and Commander in Chief), but Tom Cavanaugh + Judy "Kitty Sanchez" Greer in a dramedy that's filmed largely in my neighborhood? I'll be checking it out, especially since I get my House fix through the USA reruns.