TV Jots

Jennifer Love Hewitt and Allison Mack Direct

Ghost Whisperer and Smallville fans have a little something extra to look forward to at the end of this month. That’s because actresses Jennifer Love Hewitt and Allison Mack have recently taken hold of the director’s reins for a January episode of their respective series.

Tonight at 8pm EST, Ghost Whisperer premieres the J. Love-directed installment “Body of Water.” As anybody who pays attention knows, the majority of this show’s popularity is directly due to how much viewers love and respect the star, who portrays “spirit world interventionist” Melinda Gordon.

However, “Body of Water” is a significant episode for the series not only because of Hewitt’s extended involvement. The plot will fully introduce the new character Nikki Peck (Teri Polo, Meet the Parents), who happens to be the long-term significant other of the man whose body Melinda’s dead husband Jim is now inhabiting. That’s probably confusing for those unfamiliar with the show, but fans definitely want to make sure they don’t miss this one.

Next week, on January 29 at 8pm EST, Smallville makes headlines (at least those in my mind), as well, with “Power,” the directorial debut of super-popular series star Allison Mack, better know as the show’s resident smart gal Chloe Sullivan.

Although the episode will focus primarily on Clark and Tess — he discovers Lana is missing and she makes a shocking discovery after breaking into a LutherCorp facility — I’m sure Mack’s mark will be clearly evident. Here’s hoping the episode leads to many more directorial engagements in the future for the actress.