Pilot recap: 'V,' 'Witches,' 'AbFab,' and new ideas too

News: ABC orders remakes of "V" and "Witches of Eastwick"

Comment: That Ben Silverman! When will NBC learn to stop remaking cheesy properties and do something original instead. Why not take a lesson from ABC's Steve McPherson, who earlier this month at TCA preached how his network will continue taking bold programming chances with fresh content like the network did with "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives"  ... wait. "V" and "Witches" are for ABC? Ah. Ahem. Okay. Well, I'm sure they will be bold and original remakes then, right? ... The fanboys are excited about "V" -- it could be paired with "Lost." "Witches" is a fit for ABC, but ultra tricky to pull off.

News: NBC orders two medical drama pilots

Comment: Every network wants a cop, a lawyer and a doctor. NBC is still rightfully kicking itself for letting Fox have "House" after its own studio made the show, and now "ER" is exiting. It's tough not to disrespect the obviousness of this move -- "we're losing a doctor show; let's order a couple doctor shows." That said, the logline for "Trauma" has a nice "Emergency 51" vibe to it and escaping the hospital setting would be refreshing.

News: Fox orders remake of "Absolutely Fabulous"

Comment: Oh "The Office." Stop being the successful siren that continues to lure networks to crash more overseas comedy imports on the rocks of the New World. If NBC was blowing up Thursday's ratings with vaguely similar Aussie revamp "Kath & Kim," this would make more sense. The "AbFab" brand feels too recent to be classic, too old to be cool.

News: Fox orders a whole bunch of pilots at once

Comment: You can't judge network pilots off loglines; writing and casting are too key. That said: Top-listed "The Station" sounds like it could bring something new to the landscape. While the untitled reincarnation project and the show about a surgeon who endures schizophrenia, sound first-blush silly.