(KRT) - So, of course, I’m hooked on the Olympics. And as I watch the 2004 Summer Games, so many thoughts run through my head. Like, I guess it really is too late for me to try to become a world-famous gymnast.

And why are all the male swimmers suddenly wearing low-rise swimsuits? Does it really cut that many seconds off their time or do they just want to show off their buff bodies? And does anyone else think synchronized diving is really bizarre?

But the biggest thing about the Olympics is the promos for next season. For instance, I had totally blocked the ridiculous season finale of "ER" (Thursday, NBC) from my memory. (Sometimes the only way to handle something that absurd is complete and utter denial.)

Next week I’ll be talking all about the season’s new shows and telling you the best and worst each network has to offer (guess which category the WB’s "The Mountain" falls in). This week, let’s take a look at my hopes for the returning series. Because it really is the most wonderful time of the year.

There will be no more Scooby-Doo-like mask devices on "Alias" (Sunday, ABC). Dixon will get a bigger story line. Heck, let’s start small. Dixon will get a story line. And while we’re at it, can Lauren stay dead? And can Will and Faux Francie come back? Thanks so much.

"The West Wing" (Wednesday, NBC) will stop thinking it can solve every societal plague in 44 minutes. Donna and Josh will finally get together or move on once and for all. That story line has dragged on long enough.

"Will & Grace" (Thursday, NBC) will enter rehab for its guest-star addiction. Repeat after me: We don’t have a diva as a guest-star, and that’s OK. We’re good enough, smart enough and darn it, people like us even better when J. Lo isn’t in our credits (although she’ll be there for the premiere, and Janet Jackson the following week).

Kim will stay safely away from "24" (Monday, FOX). No babies. No cougars. No bangs. As far as FOX shows go, she is only allowed to talk to Oliver from "The O.C." (Thursday, FOX).

Rory will never seek out a place to study ever again on "Gilmore Girls" (Tuesday, WB).

Audiences will start watching "Arrested Development" (Sunday, FOX) and "Scrubs" (Tuesday, NBC).

_ Lana will try to stay out of danger for at least one episode of "Smallville" (Wednesday, WB). She’ll also try to do something about that earnest eye-fluttering thing she does.

Lily will commit to a new hairstyle and a hairbrush on "Cold Case" (Sunday, CBS).

Even if we never see her, Andy will mention Connie and the new baby on "NYPD Blue" (Tuesday, ABC).

We will see Horatio apply sunscreen at least once on "CSI: Miami" (Monday, CBS).

WHERE HAVE I SEEN THEM BEFORE?

Kaj-Erik Eriksen, recently seen as the spurned younger brother on "The 4400," was the adult J.J. on "The Dead Zone" (Sunday, USA). Eriksen has also been on "Boston Public" (as the son of the hook lady) and David Scali on "The Commish."

TV Gal reader Michelle recognized Adam Rodriguez, Eric on "CSI: Miami," was Vanessa’s friend Kenny on "Six Feet Under" (Sunday, HBO).

BEST NEWS EVER

Repeats of "Gilmore Girls" and "Smallville" hit ABC Family beginning Oct. 4. Our girls will air weekdays at 5 p.m., and the superhero prone to wearing primary colors will air at 7 p.m. There’s a marathon of "Smallville" from 2 to 8 p.m. Oct. 2, and one of "Gilmore Girls" from 2 to 8 p.m. the following day. Do you think Lana will be even more annoying when you watch back-to-back episodes?

SOAPnet will begin airing repeats of "Melrose Place" at 6 p.m. starting Sept. 13, and repeats of "Beverly Hills, 90210" in early 2005.

Also, the first season of "Arrested Development" is out on DVD on Oct. 5. So now you really have no excuse not to watch the best comedy on television. Did I not tell you that it’s the most wonderful time of the year?

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK

All times listed are EDT for Wednesday through Sunday.

Things are dysfunctional on "Rescue Me" (10 p.m. Wednesday, FX), but believable. If you still aren’t watching this show, I may have to stop speaking to you.

After 1,210 total hours of coverage from Athens (that’s more than 70 hours per day) on six networks and an HD feed, the 2004 Summer Olympics come to a close at 8 p.m. Sunday on NBC. The network is proud as a peacock that if you had watched all of that coverage consecutively, it would take you 50 days, 10 hours and one minute.

TO THE TV GAL READER BELONG THE SPOILS

The spoilers are spilling in. Remember: Don’t read if you don’t want to know.

First of all, let me start with a correction. I’ve been assured by those in the know that Kim will not die on "Third Watch." She will return briefly to wrap up her story line before heading off to "24" as Jack’s new love interest.

Joan Rivers, the queen bee of plastic surgery, will appear on the season finale of "Nip/Tuck."

It looks like all those people who were so not fans of the Carter/Kem romance on "ER" may get their wish. Madchen Amick, Shelly on "Twin Peaks," will play a social worker and a new love interest for Carter.

Rory Cochrane is leaving "CSI: Miami" (Sept. 20), and rumor is his on-screen alter ego Tim Speedle won’t be walking out the door, but rather leaving via a body bag. Newcomer Jonathan Togo ("Mystic River") will take his place on the team.

Jimmy Smits is a three-term Houston congressman on "The West Wing" (Oct. 20). Early word is that he might not only make a run for the Oval Office, but he may win the election as the ratings-challenged series goes through some serious revamping.

This is one guest star I so approve of. Will Arnett, GOB on "Arrested Development" (And my new secret boyfriend; promise not to tell Amy Poehler?), will drop by "Will & Grace."

When "That ’70s Show" returns on Sept. 8, Eric wants to sell Donna’s engagement ring so he can use the money to take a year off. The only problem is that Donna threw the ring off the water tower. Both Brooke Shields and Tanya Roberts will be back as Jackie’s and Donna’s moms.

When "The Bernie Mac Show" returns, also on Sept. 8, Uncle Bernie installs security cameras throughout the house in an effort to catch Vanessa smoking.

Matt Czuchry (he was Sean on "Young Americans") has been cast as new potential love interest for Rory on "Gilmore Girls."

Eric Christian Olsen (Cameron on "Get Real" and George Mason’s estranged son on "24") is joining the cast of "Tru Calling" (Thursday, FOX). He’ll be Tru’s new friend at medical school.

And this is a fun one. I’m hearing that Tobias, the never-nude, wannabe actor on "Arrested Development," will land a walk-on role on "The O.C." And here’s the cool part - viewers will get to see David Cross as Tobias on "The O.C." I’ve also heard that Michael will find out about George Michael’s crush on Maeby and that the producers would like to have Justine Bateman as a guest star. Also, when I was in L.A. executive producer Mitchell Hurwitz hinted that they may do an episode about the Bluth family member who didn’t agree to be part of the series (think "The Osbournes.")

You’ve heard there’s a character coming out of the closet on "The Simpsons" (Sunday, FOX) right? It’s not who you think.

And I certainly think this is good news. It appears that Chloe survived the pink slip action at CTU and will be on "24" next season.

That’s all for today, but I’ll be back next week with the TV Gal preview of all the new shows - the best of the best, the worst of the worst and everything in between.