Blogs

newsobserver.com blogs

What to Watch on Tuesday: Seasons end for 'NCIS,' 'Private Practice'

90210 (8pm, CW) - In the Season 4 finale, Naomi decides to move to New York for a job and Teddy comes back to town.

NCIS (8pm, CBS) - The ninth season ends with terrorism shaking the foundations of the Navy and NCIS, devastating Gibbs and his team.

Cougar Town (8pm, ABC) - Two new back-to-back episodes of "Cougar Town" this week (I have the feeling ABC is burning them off and can't get the show over to TBS fast enough). In the first, hurricane damage to Grayson's place forces him to move in with Jules. In the second, the crew holds Thanksgiving in the spring (because they missed it in the fall) and there's an incident involving Big Carl.

NCIS: LA (9pm, CBS) - In a two-hour season finale, Callen (Chris O'Donnell, right) and the NCIS team confront their vengeful adversary, the Chameleon, when an undercover case ignites a deadly mind game orchestrated by the criminal mastermind.

Fashion Star (10pm, NBC) - A winner is revealed in the Season 1 finale.

Private Practice (10pm, ABC) - Season 5 ends with Amelia going into labor Addison facing a tough decision. Also, Pete and Violet realize what they mean to each other after he finds himself in trouble.

What to Watch on Tuesday: 'Glee' tribute to Whitney Houston

Glee (8pm, Fox) - The glee kids pay homage to Whitney Houston by performing her greatest hits.

Cougar Town (8:30pm, ABC) - Jules and Grayson aren't ready to give up financial independence even though their impending marriage will require some sacrifices.

The L.A. Complex (9pm, CW) - A new series set in a Los Angeles apartment-style motel about Hollywood dreamers seeking stardom. Tonight, an aspiring actress moves from Toronto to Los Angeles and finds kindred spirits. Adrienne reviews.

Frontline: Money, Power and Wall Street (9pm, UNC-TV) - This two-hour "Frontline" is part one of a two-part look at the attempt to repair the economy following the 2008 financial meltdown. This report was a collaboration between "Frontline" and Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy. The two-hour conclusion will air on May 1. You can also watch at the PBS website.

New Girl (9pm, Fox) - Unwilling to admit her true feelings for Schmidt, Cece encourages him to go on a date with one of her beautiful roommates, and a morose Nick channels all of his energy to his new vegetable garden.

What to Watch on Tuesday: No lives lost on this week's 'Raising Hope'

Raising Hope (8pm, Fox) - I didn't care at all for last week's episode featuring the tragic slaughter of genius guide pig, Mr. Curly Tail. But it was a rare misstep for this excellent show, so all is forgiven -- barring future cute animal deaths. Tonight, Virginia (Martha Plimpton, left) plants a seed of jealousy in Jimmy's head when Sabrina finds a handsome new study partner. Also, Bert becomes obsessed with a wall figurine.

American Experience: Grand Coulee Dam (8pm, UNC-TV) - An American Experience documentary on the history of the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River in Washington, which was one of the centerpiece projects of FDR's New Deal during the Great Depression. A controversial undertaking, it transformed the Pacific Northwest for good and bad, providing needed energy to the growing cities of Portland and Seattle, even as it wiped out entire towns, dislocated Colville Indian Reservation tribes, and blocked the ability of salmon to reach spawning grounds. A repeat of last year's documentary on the Panama Canal airs at 9:30.

Cougar Town (8:30pm, ABC) - "Dancing with the Stars" is sparing us their one-hour "recap" show this week, so that means we get a new "Cougar Town." Win! Tonight, Jules gets cold feet when Travis volunteers to take her wedding photos. Well no, I guess ABC is not sparing us the recap/repeat dancing show after all. They must really hate "Cougar Town," which they had on the schedule yesterday...

New Girl (9pm, Fox) - Jess and Cece have a falling out after Jess learns that Cece hasn't been honest with her, and Winston struggles with being the only one to know about Cece and Schmidt's secret affair.

Justified (10pm, FX) - While Raylan closes in on the crazier-every-week Robert Quarles, Boyd and Dickie Bennett team up in a last-ditch attempt to recover the fortune left behind by Dickie's mother, Mags. Next week's episode is the season finale.

What to Watch on Tuesday: Finales for 'Southland,' 'The River,' 'Key & Peele'

Raising Hope (8pm, Fox) - When she house-sits for a wealthy client, Virginia draws on her past experience as a young mother to help a troubled teen. 

Cougar Town (8:30pm, ABC) - Grayson runs into an old flame and learns he's the father of a baby girl.

The River (9pm, ABC) - In the first season (and perhaps series?) finale, the violent death of a crew member plunges the Magus into chaos and forces others to live in fear, while Jahel ignores her father to desperately call for spiritual help.

Southland (10pm, TNT) - In the Season 4 finale, Tang reports for her last day on patrol before moving on to a promotion at another precinct. Meanwhile, Lydia (Regina King, right, Dorian Missick) with s pressed to make a decision regarding her pregnancy and Sammy recuperates from his injuries.

Justified (10pm, FX) - Raylan struggles to keep Dickie Bennett in prison while also contending with the increasingly violent and unpredictable Quarles. This is an incredible episode for Neal McDonough (Quarles).

Fashion Star (10pm, NBC) - The clothiers hear the demands of and needs of their customers. They are then given retail space and must decide if whether to offer their customers' favorite piecs or go with their own choices.

Key & Peele (10:30pm, Comedy Central) - The first season finale features skits on a babysitter dealing with a young Forest Whitaker and President Obama's desire to be treated like an ordinary citizen.

What to Watch on Tuesday: 'Scrubs' mini-reunion on 'Cougar Town'

Switched at Birth (8pm, ABC Family) - Kathryn and Regina join forces to search for Angelo while Emmett celebrates his birthday.

Raising Hope (8pm, Fox) - Hope's increasingly bad behavior leads to Virginia and Burt suggestion that spanking might be the answer, since that worked on him.

Cougar Town (8:30pm, ABC) - Jules and the gang coax Bobby to put the moves on his new girlfriend Angie (Sarah Chalke, left). Speaking of Sarah Chalke, other "Scrubs" alums featured in this episode are Sam Lloyd and Ken Jenkins.

New Girl (9pm, Fox) - Jess encourages Schmidt to go on strike at the loft after noticing he does all the housework with no help from the others.

Fashion Star (9:30pm, NBC) - In the 90-minute premiere this new reality competition series, fourteen designers square off in fashion battles to launch their lines in three major retailers.

Southland (10pm, NBC) - Ben tries to help the daughter of a prostitute, only to draw the wrath of the woman's pimp. Meanwhile, Tang faces the mounting consequences of shooting an innocent bystander.

Justified (10pm, FX) - Raylan pursues a Dixie Mafia soldier who could be the key to nabbing Quarles, and Ava  protects an imperiled prostitute by any means necessary.

Wild Serengeti (10pm, Animal Planet) - A look at the mass migration of millions of animals, including wildebeest, zebras and gazelles, for thousands of miles across Africa's Serengeti plains, where arid conditions and hungry predators imperil every step of their search for food and water.

What to Watch on Tuesday: Katy Perry heads a night of sitcom guest stars

Raising Hope (8pm, Fox) - Sabrina is arrested at a protest for civil disobedience, but her two-week sentence in jail is made even worse by a prison attendant name Rikki (Katy Perry, right) who claims they're old friends.

I Hate My Teenage Daughter (8:30pm, Fox) - I thought this got canceled, but I guess it was just resting because it's back after a break. Tonight, Annie (Jaime Pressly) tries to set a good example for her slack daughter by returning to school at a local community college. A much better bet at 8:30 would be ...

Cougar Town (8:30pm, ABC) - Bobby falls for Travis' photographer professor (Sarah Chalke, "Scrubs") and Laurie begins a romance via Twitter with a soldier in Iraq. This episode was directed by Courtney Cox.

Jane By Design (9pm, ABC Family) - In the first season finale, Jane prepares for Fashion Week but she may have to bail on her coworkers since Ben knows about her secret.

Breaking In (9:30pm, Fox) - In the Season 2 premiere, Oz has to sell Contra Security, but Cameron, Cash and the gang aren't sure what to make of the unhinged new boss (Megan Mullally).

Southland (10pm, TNT) - Lydia and Ruben probe the death of a nanny and the children who were under her care are missing. Also, John corners Tang about coming free about last week's shooting.

Justified (10pm, FX) - A shocking murder puts Raylan in a very tight spot and forces him to face past mistakes. Meanwhile, Boyd clashes with Harlan's corrupt sheriff.

What to Watch on Tuesday: Baby drama on 'Parenthood'

Carolina at State (8pm, WRAL) - UNC plays at NC State, which means your regularly scheduled CBS shows will play in the wee hours on WRAL.

Cougar Town (8:30pm, ABC) - Jules can't decide on a maid of honor so she asks Ellie and Laurie to share the title.

Clinton (9pm, UNC-TV) - The second and final installment of the PBS documentary on Bill Clinton.

Parenthood (10pm, NBC) - Lots happening tonight! I hope I don't cry four times while watching it the way I did with last week's episode. Here's what to expect: Julia and Joel prepare for the birth of their/Zoe's son -- but will they get to keep him? Also, Sarah considers moving to New York with Mark, someone makes an offer on the Luncheonette, and Jasmine (Joy Bryant, right) declares her love for Crosby (Dax Shepard, right) while on a camping trip with Jabbar.

Justified (10pm, FX) - As Boyd fights for control of the Harlan oxy trade, Raylan works to keep the battle from becoming an all-out war.

White Collar (10pm, USA) - A wealthy baseball fan plans to steal a valuable piece of memorabilia from Yankee Stadium and recruits Neal to assist.

Southland (10pm, TNT) - A young man set to testify in one of Sammy's cases is killed and Lydia's body is tested when she works as a shift supervisor.

What to Watch on Tuesday: 'Cougar Town' returns

Glee (8pm, Fox) - The kids find and perform the world's greatest love songs. Meanwhile, Jeff Goldblum and Brian Stokes Mitchell, who play Rachel's two dads, visit McKinley High.

Cougar Town (8:30pm, ABC) - Grab a big ole glass of wine and settle in for the third season of "Cougar Town." In tonight's premiere, Grayson irks Jules by labeling her predictable. Also, Travis settles into his new off-campus housing, but he's not sure he wants his dad's dog as a roommate.

The River (9pm, ABC) - A.J. must confront his demons to find a cure when the rest of the Magnus crew are temporarily blinded by spores from a tree. Meanwhile, the Morcego tribe follows the interlopers to decide if they are worthy to remain in the jungle or if they should die.

The Loving Story (9pm, HBO) - A profile of Richard and Mildred Loving, a married, interracial couple who challenged anti-miscegenation laws in Virginia after being arrested in 1958, and fought a legal battle that resulted in a landmark 1967 case before the U.S. Supreme Court, Loving v. Virginia. Directed by Nancy Buirski, founder of Durham's Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, who co-wrote the script with former NCCU professor Susie Powell. Adrienne reviews.

Frontline: The Interrupters (9pm, UNC-TV) - A two-hour profile of three Chicago activists with CeaseFire working to end gang violence. Directed by Steve James ("Hoop Dreams").  A great, great film, Adrienne says.

New Girl (9pm, Fox) - Schmidt agrees to be Jess' wingman when she sets out to have a one-night stand on Valentine's Day.

Southland (10pm, TNT) - A case turns personal for John when he tries to save a suicidal teen and Sammy's attempt to transform a former drug addict into an informant comes back to haunt him. Also, a person from Tang's past arrives.

Parenthood (10pm, NBC) - Drew learns that Sarah and Mark plan to have a baby, and Julia tries to put distance between herself and Zoe.

Justified (10pm, FX) - Raylan is in hot pursuit of Dewey Crowe, who's staging a one-man crime spree after an encounter with an organ-harvesting ring. Meanwhile, Boyd squares off against a new foe.

What to Watch on Wednesday: 'Idol' winner named: Will Scotty win?

American Idol (8pm, Fox) - The winning singer is named tonight. Odds are that the winner will be Garner's own Scotty McCreery, but you just. never. know. Georgia's Lauren Alaina has been a strong contestant, too. Before the big moment, there will be a reunion of the Top 13 contestants from this season (I've already forgotten anyone past the Top 6) and the iconic rock band U2 will perform with actors from the "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" Broadway catastrophe. I mean show. Broadway show. One last time, Go Scotty!

The Middle (8pm, ABC) - It's finale night for all of ABC's Wednesday night sitcoms, even the very funny "Happy Endings," which just started a few weeks ago. On "The Middle," Axl hasn't completed his 30 days of community service and Sue has to prove she's never taken a sick day to get a perfect attendance award. On "Modern Family," Jay wants to spend his birthday fishing but his family wants a big party, which leads to Claire and Mitchell getting trapped in the yard of their childhood home and Cameron getting into trouble at the bakery. And in a one-hour finale for "Cougar Town," Travis moves to Hawaii and the gang uses that as an excuse to take a vacation there, though they're really on a mission to convince him to come home. On "Happy Endings," a surprise invitation to the wedding of an old slacker buddy leads Brad and Jane to uncover something disturbing about their marital status, and a depressed Penny asks Derrick to be her date and pretend they're engaged.

Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior (10pm, CBS) - This one didn't make it, so tonight's season finale is actually a series finale. In this last episode, a serial killer is shooting people in crowded places and Beth's life is threatened when she goes undercover with Prophet.

Law & Order: Los Angeles (10pm, NBC) - It's not a finale, but it's one of the few non-repeats on tonight. In this episode, the murder of a casino worker exposes an argument that occurred before the crime and an admission from the victim's girlfriend that complicates the case.

What to Watch on Monday: 'Cougar Town' back from a break

Chuck (8pm, NBC) - The con is on when a swindler bilks Chuck and Sarah out of their wedding money. For help, they reach out to a master scam artist -- Sarah's dad (Gary Cole).

How I Met Your Mother (8pm, CBS) - Barney attempts to bond with his dad (John Lithgow) and asks his friends to lie about their lives in order to make his life sound more exciting.

Chicago Code (9pm, Fox) - The mayor faults Teresa for rising crime rates after five people are shot in Lincoln Park, and Teresa wants Jarek to find the shooters so she can rebuild her public image.

Cougar Town (9:30pm, ABC) - The ill-named sitcom returns after an extended hiatus. Ellie is worried that Jules (Courtney Cox) is meddling in Travis' life, Grayson learns about friendship from Andy, and Bobby and Laurie introduce Penny Can to a new audience. Is it me or does this sound like essentially all the 'Cougar Town' episodes?

William & Kate (9pm, Lifetime) - Lifetime's movie based on the courtship of Prince William (Nico Evers-Swindell) and Kate Middleton (Camilla Luddington), who met while studying in Scotland.  Our review here.

William & Catherine: A Modern Fairytale (10pm, ABC) - Barbara Walters looks at preparations for the April 29 royal wedding.

Hawaii Five-0 (10pm, CBS) - Five-0 try to stop an undercover NYPD detective (Sean Combs) from exacting revenge against a crime lord who targeted the officer's family.

Cars View All
Find a Car
Go
Jobs View All
Find a Job
Go
Homes View All
Find a Home
Go

Want to post a comment?

In order to join the conversation, you must be a member of newsobserver.com. Click here to register or to log in.
Advertisements