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AliasBattle of the Network Stars
As the networks kick off the new season, there are time-slot showdowns nearly every night of the week that will test your remote-control loyalties (and your VCR-programming capabilites). Here's EW.com's handicapping of fall TV's biggest battles.
SUNDAY
The Sopranos vs. Alias
We've waited a year and a freakin' half for new episodes of HBO's Mafia-riffic drama -- and in the meantime, we've gotten hooked on ABC's high-speed adventures of secret agent Sydney Bristow (Jennifer Garner). But the pay-cable net airs Tony's whacky antics several times a week, so you can track it down later. If you want to catch up with ''Alias,'' you've got to suffer the indignity of dialing up the ABC Family Channel.
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''Alias''
MONDAY
CSI: Miami vs. Crossing Jordan
It's bound to be a bloodbath when forensics dramas go head-to-head. NBC's ''Jordan'' succeeded in its freshman year as a female-friendly alternative to ''Monday Night Football,'' but the big-buzz ''CSI: Miami'' will provide stronger competition than CBS' lame ''Family Law'' did. Plus, in terms of star power, Kim Delaney (''Miami'') vs. Jill Hennessy (''Jordan'') is a draw, but ''NYPD Blue'' bad boy David Caruso blows away ex-''White Shadow'' Ken Howard.
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''CSI: Miami''
TUESDAY
Frasier vs. Life With Bonnie
Kelsey Grammer has been playing Dr. Frasier Crane for nearly 20 years -- and it shows. Even David Hyde Pierce's Niles doesn't have the same snap since he's settled down with Daphne (Jane Leeves). Bonnie Hunt's ABC farce is the best of a weak fall-sitcom bunch, but it's still a fresher alternative to ''Frasier.''
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''Life With Bonnie''
