It's that time of year that gets my heart beating just a little faster. No, not Christmas, but pilot season.

It's the time of year when the broadcast networks order scripts to pilot, producing that first episode that will help decide if the show will make it on the air.

Unlike previous seasons where we have had several science-fiction/fantasy genre-related shows to choose from, this year the networks have only given the green light to three pilots that I would consider genre material.

Don't worry, there's no reason to be concerned. These things are cyclical. We are just in the down phase of the cycle.

First up is a pilot ordered by ABC called "No Ordinary Family." The series is about an American family that learns they have developed special abilities after their plane crash lands on the Amazon River. Cast, as the leads in the series are Michael Chiklis (Fantastic Four) as policeman Jim Powell and Julie Benz (Dexter, Angel) as scientist Stephanie Powell. Jimmy Bennett ("Star Trek") and Kay Panabaker ("Summerland") have been cast as the Powell children J.J. and Daphne,

Superpowers have been popular in the movies for years, and have been a recurring theme on television for quite some time. I haven't seen or heard much about this series other than information from the various press releases, but I do have to say I like the leads. With two strong, versatile performers, I think it's got a chance if the script is good.

"Betwixt," ordered by The CW, is a series adapted from the Tara Bray Smith young adult novel of the same name. It centers on three teenagers who learn they are "changelings," the children of fairies, after a rave in the woods. After learning of their lineage and the abilities it grants them, they decide to use their gifts to fight evil.

As of this date, two of the three teens have been cast. Allison Miller ("Kings") has been cast as Celine Halstead who has the gift of flight, and Jessy Schram ("Life") will play Morgan Brower who can change into a creature with claws, fangs and yellow eyes.

Having enjoyed Allison Miller's work on "Kings," I feel good about this show. Well as good as I can for another CW teen drama. The industry talk on this show is that it's being produced as a companion piece to "The Vampire Diaries." It seems a mix of the supernatural and superpowers.

If The CW had more than four hours to fill this season, I'd call this a shoo-in. As it is, I see it as a strong contender for finding a home on the air. Most likely following "The Vampire Diaries."

The third genre pilot this season is "The Cape," ordered by NBC. Set in the fictional Jefferson City, the story revolves around Vince Faraday, a former cop framed for a crime he didn't commit. In order to clear his name and reunite with his son, he becomes the masked hero known as The Cape.

The lead character has been cast, and will be played by David Lyons ("ER").

Press releases also have revealed a bit about Jefferson City. Modeled after Los Angeles, this is a city where private industry is corrupt, and seeks to take over "everything." We also learn that one company in this town, The Lynx Corp., is trying to recruit Vince.

At least this pilot is a superhero without powers. That fact alone makes it a bit more interesting. I have to admit I really like the backstory, even if the "evil corporation" thing is a bit tired. I'd like to see this one make the air

And that's it. Three genre series ordered to pilot by the broadcast networks. Other concepts you've heard about are either on cable networks or didn't make it this far. We just have to weather a few seasons, until the up cycle and we get more genre choices.