After the long wait, McDreamy and TV friends return

By Brittany Benjamin

It's been months since we've been able to gaze longingly into the cavernous blue eyes of McDreamy. It's been even longer since we've been able to hear an authentic "That's what she said" from Michael Scott. Finally, the wait is over.

While many prime-time shows have already returned since the end of the Writers Guild strike, several student favorites are making their debut within the next few days.

In order to be prepared for their return, students may be in need of a brief refresher on some highlights of what happened before the extended break and what can be expected in the coming weeks.

* "The Office" -- Returns to NBC on April 10

Where it left off: Michael was driving to New York with Jan, where he was going to speak at her deposition, in which she sued Dunder Mifflin for wrongful termination. The warehouse bought a ping-pong table. Meanwhile, Michael is ruining Jan's deposition, flustered by the questions and the use of his diary as evidence. The infamous Sandals picture surfaces to prove Michael is lying about the date when he and Jan became involved. Ultimately, Michael sides with Dunder Mifflin and Jan storms out in anger.

What to expect: It's been five months since the last new episode was aired on Nov. 15.

In the first episode back, Pam and Jim will go to Michael and Jan's house for dinner. When Andy and Angela also get invited, Dwight's lack of invitation will cause his jealousy to get the best of him.

* "Desperate Housewives" -- Returns to ABC on April 13

Where it left off: Following the tornado that whipped through Wisteria Lane, Susan invited Bree and Orson to stay with her until their own house can be repaired. While at Susan's house, Bree tries to set up her son with the contractor she has hired to fix her roof. Carlo has secretly gone blind from a tornado injury but refuses to tell Gabrielle, thinking that she'll immediately leave him. In the meantime, Mike is still in rehab.

What to expect: The first episode since Jan. 6 will see the unveiling of many secrets. Katherine will expose her secrets while Susan's cousin reveals her own. Meanwhile, a surprise wedding is in the mix.

* "Gossip Girl" -- Returns to The CW April 21

Where it left off: While Gossip Girl originally reports that Serena was spotted buying a pregnancy test at a pharmacy, giving Dan a scare, it turns out that she was buying the test for Blair, who thinks she might be pregnant. The real drama unfolds when Nate finds out that Chuck and Blair had been having an affair. Luckily, the test comes back negative, saving Blair the trouble of having to figure out if the father is Chuck or Nate. However, everyone finds out about the affair and Blair is dethroned as Queen Bee and quickly runs to the airport to leave the country in the wake of the gossip. Meanwhile, Dan told Serena he loves her, and Serena tries to convince Blair to stay.

What to expect: In its first episode since Jan. 9, Dan visits his mother only to meet Rufus' new girlfriend, who spent the night. Jenny will go to sell some belongings at a consignment shop. Meanwhile, Serena adjusts to living with Chuck, and will begin to receive mysterious, disturbing packages from an anonymous source.

* "Grey's Anatomy" -- Returns to ABC April 24

Where it left off: The last time "Grey's" was shown was on Jan. 10, Derek introduced his plans of building a new house to Meredith. As usual, her fear of commitment caused tension in her relationship with Derek. Bailey's husband brought baby Tuck into the hospital after he seriously injured himself, due to an open baby gate. Both parents blamed each other. In the meantime, George's mother showed up at the hospital with baby clothes, unaware that he and Callie had broken up. Meredith found out about Derek's kiss with Rose and accused him of being untrustworthy. They broke up.

What to expect: George and Meredith's half sister, Lexie, will move into an apartment together. Recently separated from George, Callie will find a friend in Erica Hahn. Meanwhile, all the residents will compete in a surgical contest.

Contact Brittany Benjamin at (408) 551-1918 or brbenjamin@scu.edu.