Ah, what a difference a few months make.

In August we were all so hopeful when looking toward the fall season. The networks had scheduled so many science-fiction/fantasy genre-related show that a fan's biggest problem was finding time to watch them all.

We should have known better.

One by one, those shows are coming to an end. No official cancellations, but with the equivalent, no pick up of the "back nine" episodes. A failure to receive a full season order means the same thing. Lets look at how thing stand right now, network by network.

CBS

CBS started the season with three genre-related series. "The Ex List" was put on the dreaded hiatus, meaning there's a chance they may burn off unaired episodes during the summer. And there are a few.

Four episodes aired before the show was pulled, but the production continued, filming all 13 ordered.

In an interview with series star Elizabeth Reaser, the finale actually resolved the situation the series was based on. So if there's a DVD release you will get some closure, for those of you who actually cared.

The network's other freshman series is "Eleventh Hour." This one I like. A procedural in nature, dealing with the FBI's science advisor investigating weird, but almost plausible, scientific mysteries, usually dealing with death(s).

It's doing well, and CBS has ordered more episodes. This one is a keeper.

Rounding out CBS' genre series is "Ghost Whisperer." I think this one shot itself in the foot by killing Melinda Gordon's husband Jim. Their relationship was the core of the show, and changing it the way they did just reeks.

Having him inhabit the body of a recently dead man, and the two of them starting their relationship over was the worst decision they could have made. Most of the Internet chat about this show seems to agree with this assessment. I quit the show, and imagine others did too.

It's got the season, but I think that's it.

The CW

The CW has two strong nights of television, and one of them is their genre-themed night of "Smallville" and "Supernatural."

"Supernatural" hasn't been better, and the ratings are good for The CW.

With Dean's rescue from hell, Sam's use of his demonic powers, and the brothers being caught in the middle of a literal battle between heaven and hell, they have raised the stakes and are bringing us some amazing television.

The show has legs, and given The CW doesn't have anything better, it's a shoe in for yet another season.

"Smallville," too, has been airing their best episodes in years. Its potential for continuing, however, is in danger. Star Tom Welling's contract expires this season, and it's likely he won't be back.

I wouldn't have said this last season, but I hope it doesn't happen. I want the show to continue, if the quality remains at this level.

Next time out, I'll look at ABC and Fox.

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Ed Left is a columnist for Airlock Alpha, who can be found in the cold city of Chicago. He also is the Webmaster of Sci Fi On TV. He can be reached at eleft@airlockalpha.com.