When writing TV reviews, I've learned to avoid some key words that can be used/misconstrued in ads for whatever show I'm reviewing unless, of course, I really mean it. For example, I try to remember to avoid "best" unless I truly want to call attention to something.

But every now and then, something slips through. I was filing through new DVD releases when I came across "The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 1" and happened to catch a quote attributed to me on the back of the DVD case: "It's "Laguna Beach" for grown-ups!"

And indeed I did write that, but when you see the sentences that follow, it's clear I did not intend that as a positive appraisal. I wrote: It's "Laguna Beach" for grown-ups! It's a real-life "Desperate Housewives" set in the world of "The O.C."! Glomming onto existing formats is a television staple, and Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Orange County" (10 tonight) follows in that unimaginative tradition.

The full review from March 2006 is here, but mostly I just wanted to be on record clarifying that statement so no one who pays money for this DVD and will be disappointed in what they get for their money.