Raindrops on "Lost" and whiskers on kittens

Television characters in whom I am smitten

Brand new episodes tied up in string

These are a few of my favorite things

When the TiVo breaks, when a plot development stings, when I’m feeling sad

I simply remember my favorite TV moments and then I don’t feeeeeeeeel so bad.

Here are my 10 favorite TV moments of 2006.

1. Sara and Grissom are revealed to be in a relationship on "CSI" in "Way To Go" (May 18, 2006): Why is this the best moment of 2006? For one thing it caused an absolute uproar among fans — some of you loved it, some of you hated it — but it definitely got you talking and wondering. Plus, I kind of love it when shows keep secrets from us. Heck, we still don’t know what’s going on between those two.

2. Jim confesses his feelings for Pam on "The Office" in "Casino Night" (May 11, 2006): , I think this is why my TiVo broke up with me. It got tired of watching this moment over and over and over again. This moment had the element of surprise (we all thought Jim was going to tell Pam about his new job) and took the show in a surprising direction (on other less sophisticated shows Jim might have pined forever). Plus, it was so honest. The kiss seemed real, slightly awkward but fraught with emotion. Sigh. I heart Jim.

3. Amy brings the ferris wheel to Ephram on "Everwood" in "Foreverwood, Part 2" (June 5, 2006): As my favorite show on television came to a close (no I still don’t want to talk about it), the series came full circle cementing the show’s central star-crossed couple and bringing a tear to my eye. As I said last week, I still miss you most of all, Ephram.

4. The Veronica, Logan, Beaver showdown on the top of roof on "Veronica Mars" in "Not Pictured" (May 9, 2006): This moment showcased the best of "Veronica Mars": a shocking reveal (Beaver was the killer), a shining and heroic moment for Logan and an Emmy-winning performance from Kristin Bell, who so easily vacillates between the flippant, sassy moments and the heart-wrenching grave moments.

5. Edgar dies on "24" in "Day 5: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM" (March 6, 2006): So, by now we know that "24" will kill of any one at any time with or without notice. But Edgar’s death and his final exchange with Chloe still broke my heart. And, as an added bonus, this was the episode that brought Ponyboy to CTU.

6. The Robin Sparkles video on "How I Met Your Mother" in "Slap Bet" (Nov. 20, 2006): From the cheesy outfits, even more hokey lyrics and really bad dance moves, this was one of the most hilarious moments of the year. Come on everybody, let’s go to the mall.

7. Drew Lachey and Cheryl Burke dance to "Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy" on the second season finale of "Dancing with the Stars" (Feb. 26, 2006): Best. Dance. Ever. The scrappy contender didn’t want to lose. He fought for every dance move and since it didn’t come as naturally to him, there was a joy to watching this innately likable guy thrive.

8. Michael kills Libby and Ana on "Lost" in "Two for the Road" (May 3, 2006): Oh, it was so difficult to pick only one "Lost" moment. There’s Jack imploring Kate to run, the glorious back story of Jin and Sun, and the down and dirty coupling of Sawyer and Kate. But when one of their own became it was the biggest gasp-out-loud moment of the year. I knew it was coming and I was still shocked.

9. Christina and Burke’s fight on "Grey’s Anatomy" in "From a Whisper to a Scream" (Nov. 24, 2006): I have my complaints about this show and I never really believed that Burke would operate with a hand tremor, but all was forgiven in this heart-wrenching fight that involved a horrifying exchange of irrevocable words. It was so real, I almost couldn’t watch.

10. Josh and Donna kiss on "The West Wing" in "The Cold" (March 12, 2006): Finally. We had been waiting for oh so long. The boss and his girl Friday had put it off forever ever. And when the kiss happened at last, it was sudden, spontaneous and oh-so-perfect.

Those were my favorite moments of 2006. What were yours? Talk about it on the TV Gal message board.

Quotes of the Week

"Which, don’t get me wrong, can be a really fun distraction, but when it’s over you’re left thinking about the girl you really like. The one that broke your heart." Jim to Michael about rebound relationships on "The Office." Poor Karen.

"I miss the days when I only had one party I didn’t want to go to." Ryan about the two holiday parties on "The Office."

"She has a collection of free range shoes and belts at home." Matthew on "The New Adventures of Old Christine" about Christine only wanting to eat free-range chicken.

"Trust me, Bart, it’s better to walk in on both your parents than just one of them." Millhouse to Bart on "The Simpsons" after Bart caught Marge and Homer in bed. Thanks to Damian and Ted for the quote.

"I’m fine. My nose is just overflowing with awesome and I had to get some of it out." Barney about his cold on "How I Met Your Mother." Thanks to Steve and Jason who were the first to submit this week’s most popular quote.

"We’re having a very Britney Christmas, mother." Caitlin to Julie on "The O.C." To which Julie responded "Yes, watch out, I might put you on my lap when we drive out there." Thanks to Stephanie for this most awesome exchange.

Where Have I Seen Them Before?

The parade of former residents of Joss Whedon’s world continues on "How I Met Your Mother." Everyone recognized Harry Groener, the Mayor on "Buffy" as Ted’s mom new boyfriend Clint. Groener was also Gunther on "Las Vegas." Diane suggests that we start a rumor that Seth Green is going to be on the show and perhaps it will come true. Who’s with us?

Jessica Collins was the woman Charlie wanted to sleep with on "Two and a Half Men," although that’s not exactly a clear distinction on that show. Collins was Meredith on "Tru Calling."

Maggie Wheeler was the teacher on "Friday Night Lights." Wheeler is perhaps best known as Janice on "Friends." She was also Linda on "Everybody Loves Raymond" and we just saw her as Curtis Ames’ lawyer on "ER."

Jane Sibbett was Brian’s father’s wife on "What About Brian." She was Ross’s ex-wife Carol on "Friends."

DJ recognized Danny Strong, currently playing Doyle on "Gilmore Girls" and Jonathan on "Buffy," as the third-year resident at Sean’s new place of work on "Nip/Tuck."

Robin recognized Kurtwood Smith, Red on "That ’70s Show," as criminologist Edward Cooper on "Medium."

That was Johnny Galecki as the positively hilarious Trout on "My Boys." Galecki is best known as Darlene’s boyfriend David on "Roseanne."

Highlights of the Week Ahead All times listed are Eastern Standard Time for Dec. 18 to Dec. 24

Everything else is in repeats. You have no excuse to not watch "What About Brian" (Monday, ABC, 10 p.m.). I so enjoy this show. Tune in to find out why.

Um, are you watching "My Boys" (Tuesday, TBS, 10 p.m.)? Consider this your December assignment. Thank you for your cooperation.

If you missed the hilarious holiday episode of "The Office," you’re in luck. NBC repeats the episode that revealed that Jim really isn’t over Pam Thursday at 9 p.m. on NBC.

So, I’m kind of on the Taylor/Ryan bandwagon. How about you? Ryan plans a special New Year’s celebration on "The O.C." (Thursday, FOX, 9 p.m.).

Don’t miss Darlene Love singing my all time favorite holiday song "Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)" on "Late Night with David Letterman" (Friday, CBS, 11:35). Every year the production becomes more and more elaborate. You definitely can’t miss this.

"Monk" has a special black-and-white episode this week as it gears up for the show’s return in January. You can check it out this Friday at 9 p.m. in black and white and then in color at 10 p.m. Then you can vote for your favorite version at www.usanetwork.com.