More Franklin Avenue At The Upfronts

I know, it's been a slow week here at Franklin Avenue. I've been a little busy here in NYC, while Maria is huddled in her workshop, plotting some sort of nasty revenge against a certain Volvo owner. (Or shall I say, former Volvo owner.)

But yes indeed, we're heading into the homestretch here at Upfront Central. Fox rounded out the pack, unveiling their schedule this afternoon at City Center. Show kicked off with a bi-coastal duet by last year's "American Idol" finalists, Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard (who were in NYC) and this year's top two, the obvious winner Fantasia Barrino and the young Diana-Benet Ramsey (live from Los Angeles).

Some more observations:

:: Kiefer Sutherland: Good actor. Horrible public speaker. But the ladies love him anyway.

:: Talked to a Spelling TV exec Wednesday, who hopes there's still some life in the pilot "Silver Lake." UPN didn't pick it up for fall, but don't give up hope yet, Beck: Spelling still thinks there's a shot for midseason.

:: Our Patron Reality Show at Franklin Avenue, "The Amazing Race," got a strong show of support this week from CBS. The reality series, picked up for a sixth season, got a spot on the fall schedules. (Granted, on Saturday night, but TiVo knows what to do.

:: Most unusual trend: NBC, WB and Fox all showcased fun, goofy videos featuring their sales executives. Dressed as women. Apparently drag humor is big with network sales guys.

:: The networks laid out some cash this year, tapping big names to show up and do a few numbers for ad buyers in the audience. CBS brought out The Who (performing their classics, now used as "CSI" themes, natch), UPN had Usher (say it with me: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah), Phantom Planet (who perform "The OC" theme, "California") was the guest at Fox, while WB kicked off its presentation with Lenny Kravitz.

:: Gray Davis really does have a lot of time on his hands. The ex-guv appeared in CBS boss Leslie Moonves' annual upfront video, along with Pete Rose, Ray Romano, Liza Minelli and Dr. Phil. Video -- one of Moonves' best in years -- started out with Davis and Rose in a bar, arguing who had the worst year. (Davis: "I had the worst year -- being recalled!" Rose: "Wanna bet?")

Romano chimed in, complaining about the box office on "Welcome to Mooseport," while Liza was just... well, Liza. (An actress played a trashed Martha Stewart, face down on the bar.)

The camera then panned to Moonves. The network president recounted his woes-- "The Reagans." "The Real Beverly Hillbillies." Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction." Bartender Dr. Phil reminded Moonves that he should buck up, CBS was still No. 1. Moonves then jumped in a cab driven by Tony Danza, they hit a Donald Trump look alike and.. well, I guess you had to be there.

:: More to come. But I need a drink.