Fox has finally set an actual date for the premiere of Drive, but it's probably not what the cast and crew were hoping for. Beginning March 1st, Drive will take over the Thursday at 9 slot that has been home to The O.C. this season. I suppose it's better than the Friday slot Minear's Wonderfalls got, but not by much.

If you're a glass half full type, the good news is that expectations for that slot are low. The O.C. has struggled to reach even 4 million viewers this season. Drive should be able to best that pretty easily. On the other hand, if you're a glass half empty person, it is also the toughest time slot of the week. Not only will they be going up against the number 1 and 2 shows on TV in Grey's Anatomy and C.S.I, but they also face Supernatural, which I think has some crossover with viewers who would watch Drive.

I continue to be baffled about the whole Minear/Fox relationship. It's a very Lucy with the football kind of thing. Here you go Tim, make another new show. This time we promise to support it, and give it a real shot. Really we do. Honest. And then right before the kickoff of the show.... whooops. Here's Tim on his back again.

It would actually be a better idea for a sit-com than either of the two on their last legs comedies that will be leading in to Drive. A vengeful programming executive is bent on tormenting a producer/writer so he hires him, and locks him into an exclusive deal, only to thwart his attempts at success at every turn. The big mystery is just what did our hapless producer/writer do to bring about such hatred.

In other Drive news, the constantly evolving casting of the show continues. The latest addition is Riley Smith. His previous roles include Andy Baker on Joan of Arcadia, and Kyle Singer on 24.

[via drivefans.com ]