Buffy The Vampire Slayer

I am - Hercules ! !

Wondering what the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" writers can do beyond Joss Whedon’s shadow ? Opportunities abound :

* Monday night brings the first "Las Vegas" episode penned by Rebecca Rand Kirshner, whose credits also include the amazing "Freaks & Geeks."

* The first "Gilmore Girls" written by Jane Espenson premieres Tuesday night.

* The first "Smallville" scripted by Drew Greenberg is slated to turn up a week from Wednesday.

Back at Mutant Enemy, meanwhile, Drew Goddard’s first "Angel" will be the pivotal 5.7, which will see Wesley’s dad bring us up to speed on the Watchers Council - and see Spike undergo an important transformation.

Where are the other Mutant Enemy writers ? They’ve all joined Fox shows that won’t surface till midseason. Marti Noxon has been busy with "Still Life," Doug Petrie with "Tru Calling," Tim Minear with "Wonderfalls."

Meanwhile ... The trade papers bring news today that the fabulous Alyson Hannigan has signed a "talent deal" with NBC, apparently with an eye toward putting her in a sitcom. (Hopefully a better one than "Whoopi" or "Coupling.")