Steve Carell’s career ark; Schroder’s Ricky period

You’ll be talking about: Steve Carell. “Evan Almighty” has all the trappings of a lowest common denominator comedy -- monkeys, an enormous price tag and a warm family message. It also has Carell, a comedian who has managed to stay at least mildly alterna-seeming on his rapid rise to fame. If anyone can make this animal movie legitimately funny and not pandering, he can, but we fear this will be his “Cat in the Hat.” (Friday)

We’ll be talking about: Kittens vs. cougars. NBC’s “Age of Love,” a “The Bachelor”-type reality show that pits women in their 20s against women in their 40s starts up this week. Will 30-year-old Australian tennis star Mark Philippoussis prefer enthusiasm or sophistication, youthful innocence or maturity?

We can’t wait to find out! Meow! (Monday)

You could talk about: “Silver Spoons.” Is it just us, or does “Silver Spoons” not come up nearly enough in the always entertaining, constantly rehashed “remember-that-show” conversation? Well, “Spoons,” now is your time to shine! Season 1 comes out this week on DVD. Anybody else willing to admit Ricky Schroder was your first crush? (Tuesday)

Someone will talk about: Mandy Moore. The singer-turned-actress has turned back to singing again, and she has a new album coming out this week. We haven’t heard it, but we did ask her to tell us about it. “It’s more organic, folky-pop and singer/songwriter-y,” she said. She may not be the best at describing music, but she sure was nice to talk to! (Tuesday)

We suggest you talk about: The controversial Meg White. The

White Stripes have a new album coming out, but we’ve been pondering the meaning of Meg for a long time. We love her, but why does she let Jack do all the talking? Is that cool? Is that pathetic? Do we love her because she doesn’t talk, or despite her never talking? Women’s studies majors, we need you! (Tuesday)

-- Deborah Netburn