Joss Whedon has become something of a tortured artist since 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' ended its highly successful seven-season run in 2003. Since Sunnydale was destroyed and 'Angel' got pulled right when it was finding its own identity post-'Buffy,' Whedon has yet to find another long-running hit. It's still hard to believe that a show as great as 'Firefly' only lasted one season!

Whedon's bad luck continues with the recent announcement that Fox is pulling the plug on 'Dollhouse,' a series that had enough of a following -- and potential -- to warrant another season. Would 'Dollhouse' have really hit its stride further down the road? We'll never know. Here are some other sci-fi television series that met their makers too soon.

I have a confession to make: I always liked Caroline in the City. Maybe it was because it was set in the world of cartooning, or that I liked the fact that Richard was sarcastic and morose, or maybe it's just that I've always thought that Lea Thompson was really cute. Anyway, the first season is out on DVD tomorrow, and I just might have to pick it up.

Another syndicated-writer show is on DVD for the first time tomorrow too: Dave's World, the sitcom starring Harry Anderson that was based on the life and columns of Dave Barry. I miss Harry Anderson.

• Caroline in the City - Season 1
• Dave's World - Season 1
• Kenny vs. Spenny - Season 4
• The Love Boat - Season 1, Vol. 2
• Naruto - Uncut Box Set 9
• Prison Break - Season 3
• South Park - Season 11
• The Superman/Aquaman Adventure Hour - DC Superheroes: Filmation Adventures
• That Girl - Season 4
• Tom and Jerry Tales - Season 5
• Tru Calling - Complete Series
• The Wire - Season 5

(S03E20) "Head Games" marks the beginning of the star studded, three part, season three finale. It was a good way to kick things off. There is a murder case for Devalos to prosecute, a new friend(?) for Allison, a new head doctor for Joe, visions that may or may not be correct, a new baby... just a lot going on. It's a good thing there are three parts to this.

Seeing as how the episode opened with Walter Paxton (Jason Priestley), let's start there. The dream within a dream open was very good. The head in the pantry came as quite a surprise, and led to a great Joe moment. He was so calm and forgiving when he woke up in the dream, but so frustrated and fed up when he woke up for real.

I've mentioned this before, but I see last night that yet another person-who-talks-to-the-dead show premiered, this one on Lifetime. To quote the shorthand so popular in IMs these days, WTF??

It's called Lisa Williams: Life Among The Dead. It's not a drama, it's real (I guess). She's a real medium who talks to the dead.

Sigh.