Journalists don't have the best reputations, but I'd have to guess that if you separated foreign correspondents from other reporters in polls, the favorable numbers would be higher.

They should be. I'm not devaluing local news, but it takes a special breed and a special kind of courage to go to far-flung places and cover stories where the danger is evident.

"Vice" (11 p.m. Friday, HBO), an edgy news magazine, is chock full of that special breed of journalist and is focused on the stories that take a lot of effort and a lot of bravery to cover. It makes for a fascinating and illuminating half-hour.

You might have heard of "Vice" recently; that North Korea trip by "Celebrity Apprentice" and former NBA star Dennis Rodman was done for this show.

Hosted by Shane Smith, the Vice media company's founder, the first episode features a look at political assassinations in the Philippines. Reporter Ryan Duffy follows a candidate registering for re-election in a country that has has 1,200 political assassination in a decade. He uses that journey as a way of examining the country's gun culture (nearly 70 percent of the population owns guns) and how opposition groups teach children to use guns and kill.

That detail connects the story to the second report, about children suicide bombers in Kabul. Children are used because they can get past the checkpoints easier; 80 percent of the attacks are now done by teenagers, ignorant of the true teachings about suicide in the Koran, and duped by the Taliban to believe either that they will survive the bomb strapped to their chests or to think the vests are full of documents.

Smith manages to get interviews with some of the children captured, and it's clear and sad to see that they are indeed children. And there are hundreds of them. Some of the people fooling them are imams, religious leaders co-opted by the Taliban. Smith even gets an interview with a senior Taliban leader.

A second episode I screened had stories on an underground railroad that helps people escape North Korea and the volatile Kashmir border that separates India and Pakistan.

These stories are scary, but important, the kind of news you need to know but that you don't want to know because they let you know how precarious peace and safety are. Thank goodness for the journalists at "Vice" for being brave enough to bring these stories to us.

The Amazing Race 22 (8pm, CBS) - The race continues in New Zealand where the teams participate in a chaotic obstacle course that includes mud slides. Meanwhile, David's debilitating leg injury threatens to cut short his journey with his son Connor. Note: Former Carolina Hurricanes player Bates Battaglia and his brother Anthony are still in the race, and Adrienne is still doing recaps of the episodes.

The Bible (8pm, History Channel) - Part one of a five-part (10-hour) scripted miniseries based on stories from the Bible. The series, produced by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, follows through Exodus and the life of Jesus. Downey, pictured here, portrays Mother Mary. In part one, Noah endures the wrath of God, and the Israelites are led out of Egypt by Moses.

Red Widow (9pm, ABC) - The two-hour premiere of a new ABC drama about a suburban housewife (and Russian gangster's daughter) who seeks to avenge her husband's murder by diving into the criminal underworld that killed him. Here's a quick review of "Red Widow".

The Walking Dead (9pm, AMC) - Since they are outgunned against the Governor's forces, Rick undertakes a mission to get more weapons.

The Good Wife (9pm, CBS) - Elsbeth takes an assistant U.S. attorney to civil court for defamation when they Justice Department to reveal who will be testifying against Eli.

The Celebrity Apprentice (9pm, NBC) - It's thee show we desperately want to stop watching but … probably can't. Season 13 All-Stars include Trace Adkins, Gary Busey and Stephen Baldwin.

Enlightened (9:30pm, HBO) - In the season (and hopefully not series) finale, Amy has another meeting with Charles Szidon, but this time the tone is decidedly less amicable, since the Abaddonn CEO has now gotten wind of her role in the upcoming expose in the Los Angeles Times.

Welcome to Myrtle Manor (10pm, TLC) - A new reality series featuring residents of a trailer park in Myrtle Beach. I kid you not.

The Simpsons (8pm, Fox) - In the Season 23 finale, Lisa tries to boost her popularity by ghostwriting positive things about herself on the school blog. Lady Gaga stars.

Billboard Music Awards (8pm, ABC) - Julie Bowen and Ty Burrell of "Modern Family" host, and scheduled performers include Justin Bieber, Carrie Underwood and LMFAO. Stevie Wonder recieves the Icon Award.

Bob's Burgers (8:30pm, Fox) - Gene upstages Bob during a cooking segment on the morning news in the Season 2 finale.

Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt (9pm, CBS) - Tom Selleck reprises his Jesse Stone role for this new movie, in which the stoic ex-cop investigates a mob-related double homicide while he struggles to regain his former position of Paradise police chief.

Masterpiece Mystery: Sherlock (9pm, UNC-TV) - Season 2 concludes with "The Reichenbach Fall," which finds the sleuth's reputation in tatters after Moriarty pulls off three ingenious capers in a single day. He then plants seeds of doubt in the press about Sherlock's deductive abilities by making it appear that his past successes were staged. Loosely based on Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Final Problem" short story.

Family Guy (9pm, Fox) - In the season 10 finale, we get a British version of the Griffins, a comedian takes over Quahog, and the world from Stewie's point of view. And more angry chicken.

The Celebrity Apprentice (9pm, NBC) - Clay Aiken battles Arsenio Hall for top honors in tonight's finale. The two men, along with their teams of former contestants, must successfully stage their celebrity charity event. The winner is announced live.

Mad Men (10pm, AMC) - Christmas proves rewarding to many at the firm, and Harry does a good deed for a friend.

Mrs. Eastwood & Company (10pm, E!) - The official premiere of the new reality series following the lives of Clint Eastwood's wife Dina and daughters Francesca and Morgan.

Veep (10pm, HBO) - Selina becomes obsessed with bloggers' nicknames for her.

NCAA Basketball (CBS) - Kentucky plays Baylor at 2 p.m. and UNC takes on Kansas at 4:30.

Once Upon A Time (8pm, ABC) - The Who's Roger Daltrey stars as the voice of the Caterpillar in tonight's "Alice in Wonderland"-themed episode. In the episode, Emma is kidnapped by a mentally unstable man with a hat obsession.

Luck (9pm, HBO) - Tonight's series finale also serves as a season finale, since HBO abruptly stopped production on the second season last week after a third horse died on the "Luck" set. In the finale, Gus (Dennis Farina) draws on past experience to deal with a present threat, and Ace (Dustin Hoffman) is floored by a surprise visitor. John Ortiz, at left, plays trainer Turo Escalante.

Mad Men (9pm, AMC) - In tonight's two-hour Season 5 premiere, Roger and Pete clash, and Joan has a run-in with a houseguest. Here's everything I can -- and can't -- tell you about tonight's premiere and a cool gallery of Season 5 photos.

The Good Wife (9pm, CBS) - Alicia is assigned to be on a blue-ribbon panel that is investigating a police shooting, but she soon begins to question the actions of the panel chairman.

Celebrity Apprentice (9pm, NBC) - The celebrities must hose a launch party for a "mocktail" drink product. We think Clay Aiken may be the project leader tonight.

Shameless (9pm, Showtime) - Fiona's Thanksgiving plans get put on the back burner when Frank tries to get Monica out of bed to help with her depression.

Eastbound & Down (10pm, HBO) - Kenny tries a new pitch while attempting to be a better man and more responsible father.

Amazing Race (8pm, CBS) - The 20th season begins with eleven teams who gather in Santa Barbara, California and receive instructions to fly to Santa Barbara, Argentina.

Celebrity Apprentice (9pm, NBC) - The latest season starts tonight with none other than Raleigh's own Clay Aiken competing. Other celebrities include Arsenio Hall, Lou Ferrigno, Dee Snider, Cheryl Tiegs, Debbie Gibson, Lisa Lampenelli, Penn Jillette, Adam Carolla, Michael Andretti, and George Takei. The first task of the season has teams running a midtown sandwich shop for a day. We'll post recaps of the major action from each episode here at Happiness is a Warm TV for at least as long as Clay sticks around.

Downton Abbey (9pm, UNC-TV) - Season 2 concludes with the family gathering at Downton for Christmas and Bates on trial for the murder of Vera. Also, Matthew comes to terms with his guilt over Lavinia's death, Thomas connives to move up the ranks, and Edith reunites with a former suitor.

A Bernie Mac Tribute: 'I Ain't Scared of You' (10pm, Comedy Central) - A salute to the late Bernie Mac features footage from early performances and rembrances from family, friends and colleagues. Here's Adrienne's review.

The Walking Dead (9pm, AMC) - Rick, Glenn and Hershel find themselves trapped and facing a battle for survival against an army of foes, both dead and alive. Shane attempts to rescue Lori, but I think we can all agree it'd be best if he just left her on the road with the zombies.

Eastbound & Down (10pm, HBO) - In the Season 3 premiere, Kenny (Danny McBride) finds himself in Myrtle Beach as the closer for a minor league team, but he also has a reunion with April (Katy Mixon) for his son's first birthday in his North Carolina hometown. Read more about the third and final season of "Eastbound & Down."

Life's Too Short (10:30pm, HBO) - The premiere of a mockumentary following the life and career of actor and little person Warwick Davis, who plays a fictionalized version of himself. Created and written by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, who also appear in some of the episodes.

We joined in on the speculation back in September that Clay Aiken would be competing on the next season of "The Celebrity Apprentice" -- and we were right! (Okay, technically, the Reality Blurred blogger was right, but we happily glommed on!)

The Raleigh native, who was a runner-up on the second season of "American Idol," was officially announced yesterday as a member of the 5th season of "The Celebrity Apprentice," which also features Arsenio Hall, Lou Ferrigno, Cheryl Tiegs, Penn Gillette, Debbie Gibson, Adam Carolla, and others.

In an interview with "Today.com," Aiken said he respects "Celebrity Apprentice" host Donald Trump more than he respected Simon Cowell, the head judge on "American Idol," because Trump's "success is real outside of TV." Ouch.

Mildred Pierce (9pm, HBO) - The final two parts of this five-part mini series unfold in the last 1930s, when Mildred's business booms but her relationship with her 17-year-old daughter becomes more strained. Evan Rachel Wood debuts tonight as the adult Veda, who is busy working her way up the social ladder and blossoming as an opera singer.

The Comedy Awards (9pm, Comedy Central) - The first annual ceremony celebrating comedy in film, TV and the internet. A "Comedy Icon Award" goes to Eddie Murphy and someone receives the "Johnny Carson Award for Comedic Excellence." Attendees include Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, and Andy Samberg. The Roots are the house band. This will also air on Spike, VH1, TVLand, and CMT.

Celebrity Apprentice (9pm, NBC) - I don't know if they can top last week's craziness, but Gary Busey is still around, so they'll try. Tonight the contestants organize a marketing event for a skin care product, and Busey's undisciplined approach jeopardizes the task.

Brothers & Sisters (9pm, NBC) - In a special two-hour episode, Kevin and Scotty are faced with losing Olivia when her brother shows up seeking custody, and Saul and Nora learn of the death of their mother, Ida.

Upstairs Downstairs (9pm, UNC-TV) - This 2010 Masterpiece Theatre project continues the original 1970s 'Upstairs Downstairs' story, which left off in 1930. In tonight's installment, Sir Hallam and Agnes Holland move into the Bellamy family's former residence, 165 Eaton Place. Agnes turns to a domestic employment agency run by Rose Buck (original series star Jean Marsh), who worked for the Bellamy family as a parlor maid. Here's a bit more info about what to expect in the new series, and a video clip. I never watched the first series, but I love 'Downton Abbey' too much not to give this one a try.

The Killing (10pm, AMC) - In the third part of AMC's gripping new drama series, police try to determine the connection between Rosie Larsen's murder and the grisly crime scene in the basement of the high school.

The Borgias (10pm, Showtime) - Tonight's episode (part three of a ten-part series) is particularly bloody and murderous. Cesare sends Micheletto to Naples to assassinate Cardinal Della Rovere, and young Juan is told he must kill a sweet Turkish prince.

Feeling a little like the only person in the world watching and blogging about "Celebrity Apprentice" here on "Lost" night, but someone has to tell the world if the job goes to Holly Robinson Peete or if Bret Michaels can rock it just a little bit harder than that.

To start the show, Trump, respledent in his fake orange tan, enters in a long black overcoat that looks almost like a cape with the wind machines going.

After a short recap, the show picks right up where last week's ended -- Bret searching frantically for a dolly track for his Snapple commercial. Sadly, no dolly track. But Bret has an idea to strap a stool onto a cart and shoot that way.

"I'm a problem solver," he says. "A rock n' roll McGuyver."

Lost: The Final Journey (7pm, ABC) - A special two-hour retrospective of the whole series, but with emphasis on this current, final season. They'll show behind-the-scenes footage of the 2004 pilot and also have interviews with past and present cast members.

Brooks & Dunn: The Last Rodeo (8pm, CBS) - A tribute concert for the popular country duo who have ended their partnership. Performers include Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, George Strait, and Carrie Underwood.

The Simpsons (8pm, Fox) - The 21st season finale features all the judges on "American Idol" in an episode in which Moe the bartender makes a bid to join their panel. "Cleveland Show" and "Family Guy" also have finales tonight.

Keep reading for more good stuff...

Poor Bret Michaels just can't catch a break.

Bret, who already suffers from type 1 diabetes, had an emergency appendectomy last month, followed by an unrelated near-fatal brain hemorrhage. This week, Bret suffered what doctors call a "warning stroke." Bret felt numbness in his arm and attributed it to his intense rehab workouts, but visited his neurosurgeon who made the diagnosis. With this news, it was also revealed that the rocker has a hole in his heart (sounds like a good line for a Poison power ballad). Both conditions are considered treatable.