Thank you, WB, for Spike-ing your fall TV schedule!

James Marsters is back, ladies and gentlemen -- well, mostly ladies, from what I can glean from your e-mails.

Marsters as Spike

At some point last week, I began receiving a number of requests as to whether the actor formerly known as "Buffy's" boy toy Spike would be showing up on the tube again soon.

Well, about two hours ago, Tom Welling (a.k.a. young Clark Kent) sauntered before us to settle those rumors. Marsters is joining the cast of "Smallville" next season as professor Milton Fine, whom comic book geeks know as Brainiac, one of Superman's greatest foes. He has committed to a number of episodes, according to the accompanying press release. The series premieres at 8 p.m. September 29, and no, Marsters isn't bringing that sexy British accent with him.

For all you "Buffy" fanatics keeping track, that means Alyson Hannigan (Willow), Nicholas Brendon (Xander), Seth Green (Oz), Charisma Carpenter (Cordelia), David Boreanaz (Angel) and Marsters all have a regular presence on your television screen this fall.

Marsters' casting may be sweetest of all, since it brings him back to the network that launched him to fame. And frankly, The WB can use his help. It's no secret that the network formerly known as The Frog did not enjoy its best season in 2004-2005.

This year, The WB wants to reclaim its cool by any means necessary, using strategic hires as a start. Marsters' return was only one of several surprising casting announcements. Welling also revealed that Tom Wopat would be joining the cast, reuniting him with his "Dukes of Hazzard" co-star John Schneider, who plays Clark's dad.

Then Welling added that this year, "Smallville" is digging deeper into the comic book's lore by having Clark explore the Fortress of Solitude and meet the lamest superhero ever, Aquaman. That Welling, he's a talkative guy.

But back to important matters: Before teen Superman made us gasp with glee, network entertainment president David Janollari told critics that Jason Lewis (Smith Jerrod from "Sex and the City") will have a six-episode arc on "Charmed." He's hooking up with Phoebe (Alyssa Milano).

"Charmed" also is bringing on Kaley Cuoco of "8 Simple Rules" fame, playing a teen witch being schooled by the Charmed Ones.

And Haylie Duff will be showing up in 13 episodes of "7th Heaven."

Between Duff, Cuoco and Lewis, it's fairly clear which one is the real viewer bait. Fine by me -- I'm happy to take it.