Desperate, curious and uncommon

You should still be talking about: “Desperate Housewives.”

Marc Cherry’s five-year leap in time could’ve spelled doom for the women -- not to mention the ratings -- of Wisteria Lane, but instead his risk revitalized ABC’s soapy stalwart. In tonight’s episode, all the wives, not to mention creepy neighbor Dave, become that much more, shall we say, unhinged. If only the “Dirty Sexy Money” Darling clan had been sent into the future. . . . (Today)

There will be lots of talk about: “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”

The parallels to “Forrest Gump” are undeniable, and Brad Pitt is old and wrinkly for the majority of the movie, which tells the story of a man who’s born old and ages backward. Get in on the water cooler before everyone else by seeing an advance screening at the Egyptian Theatre. Director David Fincher will be in-house for a post-movie Q&A.; (Wednesday)

Confused that Kanye West went all singer-songwriter on his new album? Talk instead about: Common.

Chicago’s other prominent rapper is releasing his new album, “Universal Mind Control,” this week. He goes in a new direction as well, embracing more electronic sounds, but he’s still rapping better than ever. You could consider it his brand of Sasha Fierce. (Tuesday)

Gearing up to talk about: “Lost”?

But are you really ready? Have you figured out why John Locke appeared dead in a casket under the name “Jeremy Bentham” during last season’s finale? Heard of the Panoptican? “Lost” returns a little more than a month from now. That’s plenty of time to get Season 4 on DVD and start studying. (Tuesday)

Don’t stop talking about: “The Dark Knight.”

It premiered back in July, but Christopher Nolan’s masterful action film, the sequel to his almost-as-good “Batman Begins,” is deserving of continued respect into the thick of awards season. The opening bank heist sequence alone -- which should still look spectacular on the HD or Blu-ray DVD releases of the film -- deserves a nod. (Tuesday)

-- Denise Martin