TVSquad

Journalists are dragging their feet. Panel questions are lacking in energy.

The tour that never ends is, well, coming to an end.

ABC kicks off the last two days of the TV Critics press tour today with an executive session by ABC entertainment prez Stephen McPherson, followed by a look at new series Pushing Daisies, Women's Murder Club, Cavemen, Cashmere Mafia, Carpoolers, and Dirty Sexy Money.

If these shows relate their swag to their titles, I can look to be receiving: flowers, a weapon, a caveman's club, a cashmere sweater and a car.

The major networks usually don't go big on that stuff, however. The nuts from Jericho and CBS were an exception.

ABC's evening event is a really smart one that I wish all the networks would do. Instead of a themed-evening dinner on one show (though I would be willing to break bread with the women of Desperate Housewives some night), ABC is having a hospitality mixer with the TCA membership and network publicists.

Great idea.

Given that most of our communications with publicists are done by email throughout the year, a little face time is ideal.

Next up: watch for a report on ABC's new drama and comedy series and what McPherson has to say about the state of the network.