Kelley held the television rights to a British science fiction comedy called "Life on Mars." ABC wanted to develop it for American audiences, but without the help of the demanding and persnickety David E. what to do? With Kelley's "Boston Legal" in jeopardy (when has it not been? 5 Emmy Awards later and that show practically lives 'on the bubble') DEK made a deal to release "Life on Mars" in return for a fifth helping of Shatner and Spader on "Legal." I wonder if keeping it in the same time slot was part of the deal.

Also up from ABC is a thirteen episode order for the Ashton Kutcher-produced reality show "Opportunity Knocks," where ordinary folks answer trivia questions in their home. Did I miss the moment in history where we all started taking Ashton Kutcher seriously? How does this guy keep getting production deals – seriously. ABC has also ordered 13 episodes of the new Mike Judge animated comedy "The Goode Family." The premise behind this one seems to be that the road to hell is paved with one family's good (or goode?) intentions.

Check back for the full ABC schedule. Until then, drink a toast to David E Kelley here.