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For those of you who aren’t familiar with Jim Butcher’s Dresden books (Shame on you!) here’s the run down. Harry is a wizard living in Chicago just trying to be a regular guy. He works as a private detective and seems to always wind up with cases involving magic, usually the dark kind. If it’s metaphysical, unexplainable or supernatural Harry’s called in.

He also helps out the police whenever Lt. Connie Murphy (Valerie Cruz) calls him in on a case. Beyond the detective work, which usually lands him in trouble one way or another, he also has the High Council on his back. Those are the wizards who supervise the world of magic. Harry’s on probation for killing his uncle, and there always seems to be someone who wants him dead.

It isn’t easy to adapt books for television, but this one works. One reason is Blackthorne, who seems to have all Harry’s mannerisms down to a science. The writing is also dry with the wit and has just enough action to keep things interesting. You have to give the show a couple of episodes, because there’s a lot of exposition in the pilot, but over all it works. Also starring in the series are Conrad Coates and Terrence Mann.

I’m a big fan of “The Dresden Files” after seeing three episodes, and can’t wait to see what Harry does next.

I know a lot of you watched the first two hours of “24” Sunday night. I will tell you that Monday night’s episodes are even more intense and explosive. My jaw hurt by the end of the four hours. (I shouldn’t have watched them all together.)

“The great thing about starting later in the season is the writers have so much more time to pull things together,” says star Kiefer Sutherland, who plays Jack Bauer. “The production and everything involved with this new season is going to blow people away. My character is in the middle of it all, but they’ve given him more depth. I think there’s more emotional depth than we’ve had before. It’s going to be a great ride.”

I refuse to spoil the fun, but don’t leave the room in the last 10 minutes of that second hour on Monday. You’ll never forgive yourself.

Also back this week is “American Idol.” Executive producer Ken Warrick says what he always says, “It’s the best year ever.” But he added something funny for this interview. “I couldn’t get rid of Simon (Cowell) if I wanted to. Believe me, it just isn’t possible.”

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