Most of '88

HAPPIEST HOMECOMING E.T.'s return to earth, where fans of the most popular movie in history have bought an unprecedented 15 million copies of the newly released videocassette.

BIGGEST TRIUMPH Folk singer Tracy Chapman, who surprised everyone -- including herself -- with her chart-topping debut album, which set the tone for new women on the music scene.

LONGEST LEGS ON A HARE Roger Rabbit, Toon star of Who Framed Roger Rabbit, which jumped to first place at the box office, bringing in almost $150 million.

WORST TASTE The rantings of Morton Downey Jr. and the ravings of Geraldo Rivera, which ushered tabloid TV into our living rooms.

SPLASHIEST SPLIT That of rocker Bruce Springsteen and Julianne Phillips after the Boss took off his wedding band and made off with Patti Scialfa, a backup singer in his E Street Band.

RICHEST LIVING SUPERSTAR Michael Jackson, who moonwalked his way past Bill Cosby to become this year's highest-paid entertainer, earning $60 million.

RICHEST DEAD SUPERSTAR Elvis, whose estate made more money than ever this year, on the eleventh anniversary of his death.

MOST POPULAR BASTARD SON OF A HUNDRED MANIACS Freddy Krueger, who captured and clawed the hearts of millions with his Nightmare on Elm Street series, which has racked up more than $140 million in ticket sales.

MOST AGELESS LEADING MEN Superman, who turned 50, and Mickey Mouse, who reached 60, in 1988 without a wrinkle in sight.

DEEPEST HOLE The one left by the 22-week-long writers' strike, which put Hollywood on hold and almost killed the fall TV season.