Sure, it's been nice seeing all the ER alumni as the show heads into his final weeks, but let's be honest: Gloria Reuben and Laura Innes and even Anthony Edwards can't provide even a fraction of the excitement that would come from an appearance by George Clooney, who used the show as the springboard for his Oscar-winning film career and even more impressive dating career. And sources indicate that Thursday's ER episode (NBC, 10 PM) is the one that will bring back Clooney as Dr. Doug Ross, the most dimpled doc who ever lived. Officially, the plot revolves around two other original cast members, as Carter (Noah Wyle) awaits his kidney transplant and is visited by his onetime (tor)mentor, Peter Benton (Eriq LaSalle). Clooney's old love interest Julianna Margulies is back as well. With all this starpower, both rumored and confirmed, it's no surprise that guest star Susan Sarandon is practically lost in the shuffle. Now, if they find a way to bring back the guy who had a helicopter drop on his head, I'll really be impressed.

Also this week:

Monday: 24 (Fox, 9 PM): As a former resident of the nation's capital, imagine my surprise to learn that a dozen or so frogmen could break into 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. The White House is missing out by not providing boat tours! This week, Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) attempts to get President Taylor and her daughter out of their current hostage dilemma, and we learn a little more about what Hodges (Jon Voight) is up to.

Tuesday: Reaper (CW, 8 PM): This series returned last week, and whether it can finally regain the momentum it seemed to lose with the writers' strike remains a question mark. Sam remains intrigued at the thought that someone had previously weaseled out of a deal with the Devil, but the king of the underworld tries a new strategy to prevent any further questions.

Wednesday: The Chopping Block (NBC, 8 PM): Can this new food-based reality show attract some of the buzz (and viewers) that typically goes to Top Chef on Wednesdays? This series has more in common with BBC America's Last Restaurant Standing, as two teams made up of four couples each open restaurants in Manhattan under the watchful eye of British chef Marco Pierre White.

Friday: Friday Night Lights (NBC, 9 PM): As if playoff time in Dillon isn't hectic enough, the school's big game is selected for a national telecast. Also, Matt's grandmother has questions about his hopes for college, Taylor prepares for Tami's birthday, and Tyra continues to find that her new boyfriend isn't all that.

Saturday: Will Ferrell: You're Welcome America. A Final Night With George W. Bush (HBO, 9 PM): As he will have little reason to haul out his admittedly hilarious Dubya impersonation, Ferrell has been playing the 43rd president in a one-man show at New York's Cort Theatre. The closing night, which is being aired live, should not be misunderestimated.

Sunday: Kings (NBC, 8 PM): After Deadwood, I am honor bound to give any new Ian McShane project a fair chance, especially since I'd be worried about him killing me if I didn't. McShane stars as the king of a nation that seems like a cross between modern America and ancient Judea. The pilot finds a young soldier named David (hint hint) taking action that results in him coming into contact with the royal family.

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