What to do, what to do?

by Kim Boal and Adam Koehler
Staff Writers

As the closing seconds of Super Bowl XXXV ticked away, the birth of something great was taking place.

It's the exciting second half of the primetime season, but now there are some tough decisions to make.

Hence the $1 million question: If you can watch only one show per night, what would it be? To save readers some nail-biting and cold sweats, the following are the experts' picks.

Monday

Boston Public, 8 p.m., FOX. Set in a public high school somewhere in Southie, Boston Public takes the view of a typical show about school by focusing on the faculty. Still in its first season, the show has tackled some serious issues, while also showcasing the comic flair that creator David E. Kelley made famous in Ally McBeal.

Speaking of Ally McBeal, 9 p.m. FOX. If you haven't heard about this show, where have you been for the past four years? Ally is a Boston lawyer who is never content and always neurotic. She's single, strong and independent, and on the lookout for Mr. Right. Not only is she fun to watch, but the rest of the cast (Ally's co-workers) are just as strange. Newcomer Robert Downey, Jr. just won a Golden Globe for his work on the show, and he's good.

Tuesday

Dharma & Greg, 9 p.m. ABC. The quirky chemistry between stars Jenna Elfman and Thomas Gibson coupled with a talented supporting cast makes for a lighthearted comedy. The show is a constant mismatch of lifestyles and life choices as each week we learn a little more about our zany world.

But the competition is stiff for this night, as Frasier, 9p.m. NBC, is certainly a show deserving of praise. The psychiatrist from Cheers has been back in Seattle as a radio talk show host. The always-proper and stuffy Frasier deals with trying to keep his social calendar full. With the help of his "guy's guy" father, brother Niles and housekeeper Daphne, there's always a laugh in store.

Wednesday

The West Wing, 9 p.m. NBC. Having the best ensemble cast since the early days of ER, The West Wing portrays what we all wish the White House would be - namely, rational and respectable political officials working hard to do the best job with our tax dollars. If nothing else, you know a show is good when it convincingly presents an effective bureaucracy.

Once and Again 10:00 p.m. ABC. This show is about a recently divorced mother, Lily, and a single father, Rick, who fall in love. Lily is played by two-time Golden Globe winner Sela Ward. Her character is still dealing with her ex-hubby, and both Rick and Lily's teenage children are not supportive. This show, from the makers of My So Called Life, is realistic and entrancing. Once you start watching, you're not going to want to stop - again and again.

Thursday

Friends 8:00 p.m. NBC. This Thursday night favorite has been going strong since its premiere in 1994. We all know the premise, so let's skip that. Now that Friends is competing against Survivor, NBC has expanded Friends to 40-minute episodes. Will Friends outlast Survivor Who knows.

Survivor: The Australian Outback, 8 p.m. NBC. Granted, the post-Super Bowl premiere of the new season of this reality show wasn't very juicy or tactful, but patience likely will be rewarded. Although we may never again see the cunning intelligence of Rich or the spritely beauty of Colleen, this season's motley crew of castaways will not disappoint. Keep this in mind: The show's producers are the same people who cast all the opposing personalities for The Real World and Road Rules.

Friday

Ever since ABC canceled Boy Meets World, there is no Friday night television. Go out and party or read a book. You'll just be wasting your time if you turn on the tube tonight.