1. Arresting “Happy Days”
Though he hasn’t reached the singularly hilarious levels of Henry Winkler’s inept attorney, Scott Baio has acquitted himself nicely among the crack comic ensemble of “Arrested Development” as crooked lawyer Bob Loblaw. (Say the name aloud for full effect.)
2. Kooky couture
John Galliano displayed incredibly theatrical, gloriously improbable pieces (as well as the occasional albino and little-person model) at the week’s most talked-about runway show.
3. Lowbrow laughs
For those mystified by the success of “The DaVinci Code” and “The Alienist”: Chris Elliott’s “The Shroud of the Thwacker,” a demented spoof of airport novels that masquerade as high art.
4. Gloom and doom
Seemingly endless ’80s-nostalgia continues with this week’s release of maudlin new wavers Depeche Mode’s “Playing the Angel” and a “secret” show at Bowery Ballroom Oct. 28.
5. Cartoon violence
Proving that propaganda is a delicate art: this Belgian UNICEF bombing of a Smurf village – disturbing as much for depicting cartoons over true victims as it is for pop-cultural irrelevance.
6. ‘High’ art
Still weirdly regarded by New Yorkers as a recent archaeological find, the High Line inspires work in the new exhibit “The Plains of Heaven,” now open at 820 Washington St.
7. Bloody genius
A prolific, popular murder mystery master in her native England, but largely ignored here: 75-year-old baroness Ruth Rendell’s issues “13 Steps Down,” considered her best and bloodiest in ages.
8. Post-modern existentialism
“iPod, Therefore I Am,” is Dylan Jones’ witty rumination on the ways the 4-year-old gadget has revolutionized music, culture and the definition of world domination.
9. Cheap seats
The democratization of design, continued: Thomas O’Brien’s sleek, cheap new furniture line, at Target ($4.99-$399.99).
10. Criminaljustice
Giving the overly-mannered Vincent D’Onofrio and needless sidekick Kathryn Erbe reason to worry: Chris Noth and Annabella Sciorra as smart, tough, no-bells-and-whistles cops on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.”
