This Monday at 9PM on ABC Family will see the series finale of GREEK — and with it — the end to one of the biggest mysteries to hit the small screen since Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse divulged the nature of the LOST’s mysterious island.

And while we sure as heck aren’t about to spoil the plethora of delightful surprises that await loyal fans of the show — including the unexpected return of a few familiar faces, not to mention some much deserved happily-ever-afters for some of Cyprus-Rhodes University’s most eligible bachelor and bachelorettes — we did want to take this opportunity to assure readers of one very important thing. Having recently had the pleasure of screening the incredibly satisfying series finale, fans will be thrilled to discover that creator Sean Smith has indeed lived up to the promise that he made to us during a May 2009 set visit that had him swear, ” the series will end with Cappie’s graduation and that’s where we’ll figure out what his real name is.”

Oh, and did we mention that his real name starts with the letter “C?!” See for yourself, this Monday March 7 at 9PM on ABC Family.

After 4 seasons and an estimated 7643 keg parties, GREEK is calling it quits this Monday March 7 (9PM on ABC Family). But, before it does, Cappie and Casey must make a decision about their future, while the KT’s fight to save their house from demolition. More first look photos of which cane be found after the jump.

In celebration of GREEK: THE COMPLETE THIRD SEASON hitting shelves (and Amazon) this week, we’re giving away one copy of the DVD to one lucky reader. To enter to win simply head on over to our Facebook Page and “like” the GREEK contest post.

One winner will be chosen at random and notified via Facebook Message on January 19th, 2011.

I’ve kept up a long, slobbery love affair with the fantastically imperfect ABC Family dramedy GREEK. This modest little show about the relationships of students in the Greek system at the fictional Cypress-Rhodes University is comprised of pieces both unremarkable and occasionally brilliant – I’ve found myself cheering along as often as I’ve recoiled in frustration. The show kicks off its 10-episode final season tonight, and after a tonally bizarre premiere (one that I’m almost tempted to suggest you skip altogether), a promising endnote is in the making.

And like someone who paid to see either of the Sex and the City movies while in theaters (especially the second one), I am overcome by an unwarranted need to explain myself: God help me, if this show doesn’t come across as incriminating as hell. That its first season print campaign featured the principal cast swimming in a giant red plastic cup didn’t help. But I’m glad GREEK has played out the way it has, itself an almost transcendent accomplishment: its boldface stab at crafting a smart bildungsroman inside those claustrophobic, beer and puke-stained frat houses and sorority palaces is at the very least venerable. While it has never sufficiently made Pan-Hellenic internal politics interesting, it has unspooled some well-done relationships that have maturely, humorously, and sincerely found legitimate, reasonable stakes during a time in young adults’ lives difficult to dramatize.

College is a notoriously difficult place to set a TV series, because unlike high school, most people fondly look back at their undergraduate years as a great experience. GREEK has combatted this by sidestepping a realistic portrayal of college altogether and investing its creative juices in developing realistic college characters: they make mistakes, second-guess themselves, and experiment with their identities. An upside to all of this is that it organically allows for all kinds of characters: I don’t know any other show on TV (except ABC’s THE MIDDLE, which would surprise you with how progressive it can be) that is pro-gay, pro-faith, and racially diverse in a way that doesn’t glibly patronize.

In the grand tradition of Herskovitz-Zwick-Abrams-Whedon-Big Chill-type ensembles, the (arch) moodiness is lead by a lovingly maddening female star (the kind so well characterized that you want to reach into the screen and shake her when she’s about to make a mistake), and GREEK has cultivated a nice fusion of the tepid earnestness of lovelorn Felicity Porter and the strong-willed pluckiness of Buffy Summers in Casey Cartwright (Spencer Grammer, daughter of Kelsey). Better yet, Casey’s probably watched and admired those aforementioned TV heroines herself, and you get that sense of awareness from her, thanks in great part to Grammer, who truly has grown as a performer throughout the show’s run.

The season opens on graduation and after her spring break-up with her ambition-less boyfriend Cappie (Scott Michael Foster), Casey is looking to law school with anticipation and anxiety. Her best friend and confidant Ashleigh (Amber Stevens) has moved to New York, enemy turned friend Rebecca (Dilshad Vadsaria) has taken over as her sorority’s president, and her brother Rusty (Jacob Zachar) is starting to make a name for himself at his struggling frat. The premiere seems to have been made in a vacuum: void of all the charms that make the show a pleasant trifle. I’d tell you to wait until the following week’s stronger episode, but like the series as a whole, it has a few moments of greatness that shouldn’t be missed, namely more scenes of one the greatest TV brother-sister relationships (Rusty and Casey’s sibling-hood – loving, caring, funny – should be a standardized practice), and Casey giving another one of her levelheaded, cool older sister-esque speeches that skirts the line of grandstanding but comes across almost James L. Brooksian.

Whether Casey and Cappie end up together at the end of the series is unclear, though I don’t plan on being surprised (and I don’t mind). What’s more promising is what the season proposes to tackle thematically: the pangs of fleeting youth, the fear in becoming an adult, and the internal conflict in deciding who you want to be. GREEK may not always handle its plotting too well (it seems to have plans to thrust a woefully misguided last-minute relationship on us that I’m already dreading), but it remains dedicated to its characters’ believable personal growth, and for that it gets my warmest Grade: B I’ve ever given.

The final season of GREEK premieres Monday January 3 at 9PM EST on ABC Family

Aleks Chan is a contributing writer to The TV Addict. He has seen every episode of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER four times, has once referred to his DVR as his “best friend,” and has only seen the pilot episode of THE SOPRANOS — and has no intention to apologize for it. He lives in Austin, Texas. His name is pronounced like Alex. Email him at alekschan.thetvaddict@gmail.com, follow him on Twitter (@alekstvaddict), or his own blog, Screen Reader.

Question: TV Addict, I’ve got 50 bones riding on a bet with my bestie that Booth and Brennan will be the much-talked-about couple to head down the aisle later this season. Please tell me I will not be $50 dollars poorer in the not-to-distant-future! — Jayson
The TV Addict: To my fellow BONES addicts who insist on inundating my email box with variations of the exact same question, I’ve got some bad news for you. I for one will not be responsible for ruining the super-adorable proposal that may be coming sooner than you think.

Question: As excited as I am for BONES 100th episode, this week marks the 99th. Any big surprises? — Luke
The TV Addict: Yes, as a matter of fact there is a surprise. A fairly substantial one for Angela.

Question: When we last saw Father Jack (Joel Gretsch) he was left to die in a pool of blood. Please tell me he’ll be okay when V return on Tuesday? — Jessica
The TV Addict: I would imagine that if you’re reading a website called theTVaddict.com, odds are fairly good that you’re well-versed enough in the concept of a cliffhanger to realize that the odds of Gretsch’s Father Jack not-surviving a near fatal stabbing are about as good as Beckett not escaping from last week’s shocking apartment explosion on CASTLE. But since you seem awfully concerned, here’s a photo from the upcoming April 6th episode showing (spoiler alert) the good father alive and well. Phew!

Question: Are we ever going to revisit the Fairview strangler. It’s really the only reason I’m sticking with this disappointing season of DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES. — Jennifer
The TV Addict: Hoping to inject some much needed excitement into a story that seems to have fallen off the face of Wisteria Lane, the Fairview strangler will be back in a big way this April 25 courtesy of DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES go-to plot device: The flashback! Entitled “Ephiphany,” the episode will not only show fans that the Fairview strangler been… wait for it… living among the women of Wisteria Lane all season long, but that he once caught Gaby and Carlos during an intimate moment; Bree offered him a job and some dating advice; Susan encouraged his passion for art; and Lynette will show him some kindness and generosity.

Question: Tonight marks the season finale of GREEK, good news for Casey and Cappie? — Mark
The TV Addict: If by good news you mean that the show will get another 10 episodes to properly wrap up the story, well, then yes. But if you mean good news on the relationship front for Casey and Cappie, two words: Bring kleenex.

Question: With the creepiness factor being off the charts, there is only so much more of Jasper I can take on 90210. Any Ideas as to when he’ll be out of Annie’s life? — Renee
The TV Addict: Coincidentally enough, it’s a question I posed to actor Trevor Donovan in an interview last week. Who, after agreeing with me that his character Teddy could totally take Jasper in a fight, revealed that, “it doesn’t come to blows so much, but Annie will be all-right. I think, in the end, Jasper ends up hurting himself more than anybody else.”

Question: If ratings are any indication, I am MELROSE PLACE’s only fan. What are the chances of it being renewed? — Lacy
The TV Addict: Put it this way, when new episodes of FLY GIRLS and HIGH SOCIETY, the CW’s latest reality offerings net more eyeballs, I think it’s safe to say MELROSE PLACE is the one show Heather Locklear couldn’t save.

Question: UNITED STATES OF TARA is the reason I subscribe to Showtime, got any scoop for me? — Adam
The TV Addict: Something will happen with Marshall that may soon find his membership to the “Gayble” revoked.

Question: Things have been quiet on the HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER front as of late. Any intel on some upcoming plot-lines that don’t involve my least favorite aspects of the show: Ted and ‘the mother.’ — Madison
The TV Addict: When the show returns from an NCAA March Madness induced hiatus on April 12, it will be Lily who goes a little mad when she decides she wants to get a gun for protection after Marshall gets mugged.

Question: Titled “Peter” I can’t help but wonder if FRINGE’s return on Thursday involved Peter finding out the truth about his true origins? — Jonathan
The TV Addict: Rest assured, by season’s end, Peter will find out the truth about his origins. Just not on Thursday. That said, please don’t let that detract you from tuning into the episode, because I am not exaggerating when I say that FRINGE’s April 1st return — complete with visits to the alternative universe, the introduction of the Walternate, and a decision that will quite literally change everything — marks the series best episode to date.

Question: Like you, I’m still finding it hard to find a reason to jump onto the HUMAN TARGET bandwagon, any reason that might change this week? — Dave
The TV Addict: It might change if you’re into the parade of really good looking actresses that continue to cross Chance’s path. This week, following in the footsteps of THE OC’s Autumn Reeser and BATTLESTAR GALACTICA’s Tricia Helfer and Grace Park is Terminator Salvation’s Moon Bloodgood, who drops by as a super-hot super-smart doctor on the verge of uncovering a corporate conspiracy who Chance must save in the Alaskan Wilderness.

Question: 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU is back tonight, is the show worth catching up on? — April
The TV Addict: Whether or not it’s worth catching up on this harmless half-hour ABC Family series is debatable. That said, what’s not up for debate is whether or not you should download the first 10 episode on iTunes. Which for what is surely only for a limited time are all available for FREE on iTunes.

Well that about wraps it up folks for this edition of “Ask the Addict.” if you’ve got a question for the TV Addict, you can email me directly at info@thetvaddict.com or follow me on twitter at twitter.com/thetvaddict.

Photo credits: Greg Gayne/FOX and Jack Rowand/ABC

GREEK (10PM ABC Family)
When GREEK returns for its fourth season tonight, the campus of Cyprus Rhodes University is rife with worry. But while the ZBZ’s fret that their role in last season’s Gamma Psi fire will come to light, the KT’s stress over their expelled brothers, Clavin’s roomie Grant stresses over the repercussions of coming out and Dale and Rusty lose sleep over who will be awarded their much-coveted engineering grant — your very own TV Addict has a far more pressing concern. Namely, is this the last opportunity we’ll have to post about a GREEK season premiere with ABC Family so clearly having shifted their focus away from this once hit show to more teen-centric fare such as THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER, MAKE IT OR BREAK IT and 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU. Seriously people, now more than ever, your pals at CRU need you to tune in tonight and if you get the chance, please visit savegreek.com to find out how you can help.

HOUSE (8PM FOX, Global in Canada)
Fans of MY NAME IS EARL will appreciate tonight’s instalment of ‘My Name is Greg,’ as House tries to make amends to a medical-school colleague he had wronged.

CHUCK (8PM NBC)
It’s Chuck versus a plethora of guest stars, when on his way to Paris for his first solo assignment, our hero connects with a woman (Kristin Kreuk), a passenger (“Stone Cold” Steve Ausin) and Superman Returns’ Brandon Routh.

Introducing the 61st Annual CRU Undie Run. Or as this TV Addict likes to call it, a rating stunt we can really get behind. And yes, we’re is well aware that if this were any other network (cough*CW*cough), or any other series for that matter (cough*THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE*cough), we’d probably be screaming something to the effect of “most blatant sweeps stunt EVAR!” But since we’re talking GREEK here, a show that not only has earned the right to have a little fun after three season of consistent quality, but could use all the eyeballs it can get… Well, we’re just gonna go ahead and remind you that not to miss an annual college tradition on September 14th at 9PM on ABC Family. One that will have your favorite Greek Row Co-eds partaking in “The Half-Naked Gun.” More revealing photos of which can be found after the jump.

There is a very good reason that this TV Addict is obsessed with the hit ABC Family series GREEK. Well actually, there are a few, but putting aside for a moment the unbelievably likable cast and stories that 90210 only wishes it could deliver comes the upcoming September 7th episode which features ZBZ’s Annual Daddy-Daughter Day weekend and the inevitable fireworks that ensue. Particularly when Jordan’s sports-nut-of-a-father (played by EVERWOOD’s Tom Amandes) is shall we say less than thrilled to meet his daughter’s not-so-sporty boyfriend Rusty, while Rebecca’s disgraced father Senator Ken Logan (MELROSE PLACE’s Thomas Calabro) makes a much-anticipated return to Greek row.

Question: For quite some time now you’ve been kind enough to provide your fellow TV Addicts with an incredibly useful calendar highlighting the month’s big TV events. Seriously, my cubicle at work is practically wallpapered with them and I really can’t thank you enough for your hard work. The only problem is that you totally dropped the ball when it came to August. Please explain yourself? — HookedonTVA
The TV Addict: Truthfully, the TV Addict was on strike. And by that I mean, if the networks aren’t going to bother to program quality television in August, I certainly am not going to take time away from my FREAKS AND GEEKS marathon busy schedule to help promote the return of MILLIONAIRE on ABC. Plus, between Comic Con, my much-deserved vacation and the Television Critics Association Press Tour, I simply ran out of time. That said — here in a nutshell is everything you need to know for August: MONK and PSYCH returned to USA on August 7, MAD MEN returns to AMC on August 16, PROJECT RUNWAY makes it’s Lifetime premiere on August 20, TOP CHEF returns to Bravo on August 19, while GREEK picks up exactly where it left off on ABC Family on August 31.

Question: GMMR has got me totally hooked on GREEK. Got any spoilers? — Cappietastic
The TV Addict: Are you sitting down? Because I’m about to drop an honest-to-goodness GREEK game-changer on you. A spoiler so big, it may-or-may-not rock Greek row forever. Ready for it? When the hit ABC Family series returns from hiatus on August 31 [Please take a moment to ensure that there are no spill-able liquids within your computer's proximity!] expect to see hear a proposal from a series regular.

Question: Loved your sneak peek at FRINGE’s second season premiere, but found myself wondering as to why it was completely William Bell free? — TheOtherSider
The TV Addict: Unfortunately, there is a very good reason that my little tease was completely William Bell free —because that’s exactly what the episode was. Leonard Nimoy was MIA. That said, FRINGE executive producer Jeff Pinkner did confirm at last week’s TCA panel for the show that Nimoy has already filmed one episode for season two and “is welcome back as much as he wants.”

Question: Since you missed the boat on an August TV Calendar, can you at least let us know when we can we expect to see one for September? With the new fall season just around the corner, it’s somewhat of a big deal, No?
The TV Addict: Does October work for you? But seriously folks, I assure you that I’m already strategizing ways in which I’ll be able to fit 423 season premieres on one page of 8.5 x 11″ paper. Stay tuned.

Question: As much as I’m loving the previews for V, I’m really hoping the new series won’t preclude Elizabeth Mitchell from returning to LOST. Heard anything as to when we can expect to see Juliet again? — JulietismyConstant
The TV Addict: Lucky for LOST fans, the producers of V are with you. And by ‘with you’ I mean huge fans of the the series as well. Which is why Mitchell was able to confirm at Saturday’s TCA panel for her new ABC series V that she will be heading back to Hawaii, possibly more than once. “I will be back on LOST,” teased the actress. “I can’t say whether I’m dead or not and as with all things on LOST, it will be fairly tricky.”

Question: Over the weekend, Nathan Fillion tweeted a first look at the Richard Castle manuscript for his upcoming thriller Heat Wave. I understand you were on the set. Got any scoop? — OhCaptainMyCaptainMal
The TV Addict: Taking a page from Richard Castle’s on-screen sleuthing abilities, your very own TV Addict did in fact use his spy camera iPhone to snag this exclusive photo (above) of Castle’s new book. Which, by the way will be hitting shelves on September 29th. Can’t wait that long? Click here to download the first chapter for free.

I couldn’t help but notice that you had the chance to catch FASTFORWARD over the weekend, is it all it’s cracked up to be? And more to the point, do we have ourselves a frontrunner for a LOST replacement come next season? — FFFanatic
The TV Addict: Indeed you do, and in more ways than one. Not only is the David S. Goyer  (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight) produced FLASHFORWARD a top notch production across the board. Like LOST, it offers up a ridiculously good looking cast (including Joseph Fiennes, Sonya Walger, John Cho among others) — who through glimpses into the future must piece together what happened to them after the world blacks our for 2 minutes and 17 seconds, characters you’ll very quickly become emotionally invested in, and most importantly, an ending that will have you wishing you could flash forward to next week’s episode. Not to mention, continued employment for LOST alum Dominic Monaghan, who will be joining the cast in what the actor promises to be a drastically different character than Charlie.

With FOX premiering THE CLEVELAND HOW, how long until the inevitable FAMILY GUY crossover? — FamilyGuyFan42
The TV Addict: Although the production team promises that they’re trying to keep the two shows somewhat separate, Seth MacFarlane did concede at last week’s TCA event highlighting THE CLEVELAND SHOW that, “the whole Brown family shows up on FAMILY GUY for an episode in the spring.” With co-creator Mike Henry adding that “Quagmire comes to town for a very relevant-to-the-story reason — and then he refers to something that happened in Quahog — so we see Peter. But I think that’s the only time.”

Question: I’m still reeling from the PRIVATE PRACTICE season finale. Please tell me Amy Brenneman’s Violet is going to be okay. — Patient31
The TV Addict: Not only was the former JUDGING AMY star alive and well on my recent set visit (interview coming soon), she tweets!

Well that about wraps it up folks for this edition of “Ask the Addict.” if you’ve got a question for the TV Addict, you can email me directly at ask@thetvaddict.com or follow me on twitter at twitter.com/thetvaddict.

“Paging Dr. Grey! No wait, you are more like Joey Potter. No, you’re worse. You’re the F-word. Felicity.” — Ashleigh bemoaning Casey’s romantic indecisiveness on Monday’s GREEK season finale.

Thanks to reader Caryn A. for the Tip!