DEXTER: The final moment of this week’s episode “Hello Dexter Morgan” was another chilling, spooky moment that John Lithgow OWNED in a big way. You have to watch DEXTER with a blanket wrapped around you because he’s sure to give you the shivers. Lithgow is doing Emmy-worthy work on DEXTER but I fear the show is too dark and not enough people are watching. Jennifer Carpenter also had a couple of extraordinary scenes this week and Michael C. Hall continues to do stellar work as Dexter struggles to cope with the many sides to his personality – and I don’t mean that in a schizo way. I’m already counting down to this coming Sunday’s season finale.
AMAZING RACE: It wasn’t the most riveting finale but there was still good stuff given the tenacity of the final three teams. The winners were deserving even if they were an almost foregone conclusion. I loved the Cirque du Soleil and poker chip tasks. And let’s all say “Danke Schoen” to the producers for that Wayne Newton appearance. I’m not a denizen of Vegas so can anyone tell me if Vegas cabbies really know where Wayne Newton lives?
SNL: The show opened strong with the Salahi gatecrashing sketch. Other than that, the show was so-so. I have to give props to Blake Lively for her total willingness to be silly and have fun; there’s nothing better than a pretty gal with a sense of humor. My favorite jokes were from Weekend Update (as usual): “Last week Tiger Woods drove into a tree and a bunch of ladies fell out” and then the working title of Nicole Richie’s new sitcom, “Two and a Half Episodes.” Seems lots of people also loved the “Shy Ronnie” digital short but I couldn’t muster much enthusiasm for it. The sketch that really had me scratching my head was the potato chip thief one with Will Forte and Jason Sudeikis. Is my funny bone broken? Did I miss something?
THE CLOSER: Brenda and the team investigate the gang-related death of a 12 year old and then two more bodies are discovered. Fritz and Brenda are also in for some surprises. This is just three special episodes airing during December; tonight, 12/14 and 12/21, airing at 9pm on TNT.
MEN OF A CERTAIN AGE: The show’s promo actually tells the truth about the show: three guys in their late 40s/early 50s are trying to cope with major changes in their lives. The three guys are played by Ray Romano, Andre Braugher and Scott Bakula. I liked the script but I’m hearing the produced pilot episode drags a little bit. I like the casting and as Mike Royce, a vet of EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND, wrote this show, I’ll definitely watch more than one episode. MEN OF A CERTAIN AGE premieres tonight at 10pm on TNT, right after THE CLOSER.
EARLY HEADS UP FOR TUESDAY NIGHT: BETTER OFF TED returns at 930pm on ABC. If you’re not watching this very funny workplace comedy, get with the program and tune in. Victor Fresco slaved over a hot script for you, the least you can do is tune in and laugh.
ON THE DVR: I was at a holiday gathering last night so last night’s “Daddy Issues” episode of TOUGH LOVE awaits on my DVR and it looks like I’ll be talking to the Tough Love master Steve Ward again soon – of course I’ll share that with you in a future SURF REPORT. I missed BROTHERS AND SISTERS and I’ll catch that online. I didn’t even bother recording CALIFORNICATION as the show has been tedious going lately.
Tonight’s rundown:
ABC: Santa Clause is Comin’ To Town (special, repeat), Find My Family, Castle
CBS: How I Met Your Mother, Accidentally on Purpose, Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, CSI: Miami
JoAnna Garcia (PRIVILEGED) guests on HIMYM tonight as a gal Ted wants to date.
On BIG BANG THEORY: Sheldon tries to teach Penny physics so she’ll understand Leonard’s work.
NBC: Law & Order: SVU (repeat), Law & Order: SVU (repeat), Jay Leno Show
FOX: Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special (special, 2-hours)
Carrie Underwood’s guests include Kristin Chenoweth, Christina Applegate, David Cook, Brad Paisley, and Dolly Parton.
THE CW: One Tree Hill, Gossip Girl
On GOSSIP GIRL: Chuck is still dealing with the after-effects of his father’s death. Dan is still trying to adjust to the new state of his friendship with Vanessa.
A&E: Intervention, Hoarders
BRAVO: Million Dollar Listing (season finale), Chef Academy
ESPN: Monday Night Football: Ravens @ Packers
Lifetime: Rita Rocks (season finale)
Planet Green: Burn Up (parts 1&2, special), Emeril Green
Syfy: 9pm: Alice (Part 2 of 2, special)
TLC: Little People, Big World, Cake Boss (time period premiere)
TNT: 9PM: The Closer (winter premiere), 10PM: Men of a Certain Age (series debut)
VH1: For the Love of Ray J 2, I Want to Work for Diddy 2
USA: WWE Monday Night Raw
