And — really, truly — he doesn't have anything against journalists. And — really, truly — he wasn't just saying that because he was talking to a whole bunch of 'em who were headed for their laptops to write something about his show.

"I wasn't behind the closed doors (when CBS executives discussed it). But they didn't put it in a negative way that way," Rauch said. "I think it was more about going after a younger audience and finding something that might have more life."

Those of us who work at newspapers laughed at that. Dark laughter, perhaps, but laughter nonetheless.

NEITHER RAUCH OR CAVANAGH was exactly overconfident when it came to the chances of "Love Monkey" turning into a hit. The duo was flying from New York to Los Angeles to meet with TV critics) when the pilot aired.

"We were in the air while the show was airing," Cavanagh said. "We kind of thought we might land and they would be, like, 'You guys don't have to show up.' Like, there's no CBS car. 'Thanks for coming. You can head back on JetBlue. Get yourself over there.' "

That didn't happen. But you've got to wonder at least a bit how committed the network is to the show. CBS only ordered eight episodes. After airing a couple, it's pre-empted for the State of the Union; a couple more air, it's off for a Dr. Phil special; it's on, it's off.

Not a great way to build an audience.

EX-"BEVERLY HILLS 90210" STAR Jason Priestley sounds like he's just happy to have a job — the supporting role as one of Tom's friends in "Love Monkey."

"The experience of being on a show like that, '90210,' albeit a wonderful experience, is also a terrifying experience as a young actor," Priestley said. "I mean, you don't have to look very far through the Screen Actors Guild directory to come across the first guy who was a big teen idol for about five years and then crashed and burned and ended up dead at the door of the Wiltern Theater. I mean, it's gone on and on and on for a long time.

"So to be able to have the opportunity to come back on a show like this and play an older, more mature character, and continue to work in the business, which I love, is a wonderful thing."

---

E-mail: pierce@desnews.com