His 'Damages' character, Tommy Shayes, may have gotten whacked earlier this year, but Tate Donovan's career is alive and kicking.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the veteran actor, who's had a hand in several seminal TV series, including 'The O.C.' (as problem-plagued pop, Jimmy Copper) and 'Friends' (as real-life ex Jennifer Aniston's crush, Josh-u-a), has been tapped to star in an ABC pilot called 'No Ordinary Family.'

'Dexter' and 'Buffy' alum Julie Benz is heading back to genre TV with a role in the ABC drama pilot 'No Ordinary Family', says The Hollywood Reporter.

The show stars 'Shield' and 'Fantastic Four' vet Michael Chiklis as the head of a super-powered family. Benz will co-star as Chiklis' wife, a sexy scientist who develops super speed (the power, not the drug).

Despite the drab title, 'No Ordinary Family' is shaping up to be a must-see. Chiklis and Benz are two of TV's top actors, and the pilot is the brainchild of producer Greg Berlanti, a guy who knows a thing or two about creating compelling family drama (see 'Everwood', 'Dirty Sexy Money', 'Brothers & Sisters').

ABC seems to be banking on the recent success of its primetime comedy lineup.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the network has ordered a pilot for 'Southern Discomfort,' a multicamera comedy written by novelist Chad Kultgen. Kultgen's first two books had strong sexual components, while his forthcoming novel, 'Children of Adults,' is said to explore the generation gap between modern children and their parents.

'Southern Discomfort' looks to explore similar themes, as it features a father who deals with the difficulties he faces when his grown kids move back home. Casting is currently under way. (Although, when we see a title like 'Southern Discomfort,' we can't help but think of the Blue Collar Comedy tour.)

I didn't set out to watch In Justice, and the last thing I need is another courtroom drama to love. But it was Sunday, all of my favorite shows were in re-runs or supplanted by tedious TV movies or double-length episodes of Extreme Makeover, my boys were all feverish, and I wanted to do nothing for a while. And so, I didn't change the channel from the very dull Desperate Housewives recap.

And look! There's Kyle MacLachlan, who last played Charlotte's impotent Scottish husband on Sex and the City. And hey! That's Constance Zimmer, who I finally identified as the only reason worth watching the insultingly awful Good Morning Miami. And the criminal who is so grateful to be taken in by the Justice Project - that's one of my faves, she played Sela Ward's sister on the fabulous and much-missed Once and Again. (And if you're still wondering where it is you've seen Marisol Nichols - she played Audrey Griswold on Vegas Vacation. *groan* She's still a hottie, though.)