Grading the TCA Network Executive Sessions: Fox

Handling TV Critics Assn. tour executive sessions has become a delicate task for network executives, one they tend to approach with all the enthusiasm of root-canal surgery. So we thought we'd make like NFL scouts and see how they grade out in their limited appearances.

Fox Entertainment Prez Kevin Reilly was up on Tuesday morning, and he handled the chore with the usual aplomb. Besides winning points for opening with a joke about the porn industry (quoting a Variety headline, no less), he deftly deflected the obligatory question about "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul and explained why producer Joss Whedon and the "Dollhouse" gang should be enthusiastic about a difficult Friday-night time slot. Now that's diplomacy.

Reilly built credibility by complimenting one rival network (CBS, for its growing Monday-night comedy block) and dissing another (his former stomping grounds, NBC, which he likened for him to "the crazy ex-wife I can't get away from"). He also exhibited a self-effacing sense of humor by noting that the critically panned comedy "Do Not Disturb" at least "made a lot of year-end lists." Finally, the exec told the room of critics, reporters and bloggers that he considers press tour valuable, and right now the group is desperate to hear that anybody has use for what they do ("You need us! You really need us!"), given what's happening to newspapers.

In terms of general style notes, Fox also outfitted its all-female microphone minions in short skirts and knee-high boots, which sort of made them look like they were about to audition for a remake of "The Avengers." To which I say as a middle-aged guy who had a huge crush on Diana Rigg as a kid, "Well done."

To his credit, Reilly has also mastered biz-speak while still being able to sound legitimately enthusiastic about the programming itself, which is increasingly rare.

Scores might be amended once the four network sessions are over (such grading really has to be done on a curve), but Fox's preliminary grade: A-