Sometimes it seems the network TV industry is actively trying to kill itself.

What fuels my frustration this week is the increasing realization that the networks likely won't provide advance screening copies of many highly-anticipated new shows before the deadlines for our fall TV preview sections. This means we'll have a tough time telling readers about the shows at a time when network TV is trying to regain the nation's attention after nine months of mostly reruns, reality shows and castoff series.

Of course, the nets might be hoping we don't see the shows -- as a way of ensuring bad buzz doesn't spread until the shows are already on air. Which is a wonderful vote of confidence in the already-muted fall season wer'e facing.

Anyways, all that explains why my fanboy senses perked up when I heard about the latest Heroes promo on air, offerng a look at some new characters -- Hiro tussels with a superfast girl who can match his powers! -- and a tale of how Claire's dad may be a hero who locked up bad-guy metahumans for years (told you I was a fanboy!) Heroes can use the attention -- it returns this fall after more than NINE MONTHS off the air due to the writers' strike.

Check it here: