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What to Watch on Sunday: 9/11 specials and big finales

9/11: 10 Years Later (9pm, CBS) - A 2011 update of Jules and Gedeon Naudet's 2002 documentary featuring footage of the FDNY's rescue efforts at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Included are new interviews with firefighters who commented in the original documentary and footage of the rebuilding of the site. Robert De Niro hosts.

True Blood (9pm, HBO) - In the fourth season finale, Sookie taps into the town's spiritual past during a Wiccan festival, for help in her battle with Marnie's latest incantation. Speaking of Marnie, Lafayette's recent medium encounter spells trouble for his relationship with Jesus. Also, Alcide makes a romantic proclamation.

Rebirth (9pm, Showtime) - A documentary following five people who suffered grievous losses during the September 11 terrorist attacks examines their recovery and hopes for the future.

All American Handyman (9pm, HGTV) - Durham's Howard Eason is still in the competition. Tonight, contestants build an item based on a drawing, and then must build a wooden toolbox using precise specifications.

The Great Food Truck Race (9pm, Food) - The four remaining food trucks roll into Memphis for a barbecue challenge. Memphis barbecue legend Jim Neely is the guest judge.

Breaking Bad (10pm, AMC) - Tonight's episode is one of the most powerful of the season, and that's saying something. Big mistakes from Skyler's past have an impact on her current situation, Gus is spurred to action against the cartel, and Jesse seeks help from Walt. There's a scene with Gus (Giancarlo Esposito) that gave me chills (several times). Don't miss.

Curb Your Enthusiasm (10pm, HBO) - In the Season 8 finale, Larry clashes with his New York neighbor Michael J. Fox, Jeff makes a sacrifice for Susie, and Larry is flagged for giving an improper birthday gift.

From the Ground Up (10:15pm, OWN) - Profiling the widows of five New York City firefighters who died at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. The film follows the women as they come to grips with their losses, then put their lives back together and engage in charitable works.

Entourage (10:30pm, HBO) - In the series finale, Vince takes a surprising step after a first date with Sophia and a therapy session yields mixed results for Ari and Mrs. Ari. Also, the guys (pictured) encourage Sloan to work things out with Eric. I hope after this finale that I never have to hear the words "Sloan" and "Eric" in the same sentence ever again.

A more complete list of 9/11 specials.

What to Watch on Sunday: Seeing North Carolina from above

Aerial America (8pm, Smithsonian) - Tonight's focus is North Carolina and features an aerial tour of the Outer Banks, the mountains, inland forests, and cities. More on the NC episode from the Smithsonian Channel website. Smithsonian Channel is on Time Warner Cable digital channel 1264, DirecTV 565 and 1565, and AT&T U-Verse 118 and 1118.

9/11: Heroes of the 88th Floor (9pm, TLC) - The heroic story of Frank De Martini and Pablo Ortiz, who worked with the Port Authority on the 88th floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower. On 9/11, they selflessly helped more than 70 people escape before perishing in the collapse of the building. Included is firsthand testimonials from survivors. Narrated by Chris Noth.

Masterpiece Mystery: Inspector Lewis (9pm, UNC-TV) - Lewis and Hathaway investigate a murder that occurred during a reunion at an all-female Oxford college. Complicating matters is the fact that it may be linked to a similar, decade-old incident that also occurred at the college and was also investigated by Lewis.

True Blood (9pm, HBO) - Tonight, Sookie uses her faerie powers to save vampires Eric, Bill and Pam from witch Marnie's latest spell. This show is SO STUPID!! But I keep watching.

All American Handyman (9pm, HGTV) - Season 2 begins tonight with Durham designer Howard Eason competing! Read more about Eason.

Breaking Bad (10pm, AMC) - Skyler comes up with a plan to cure her money-laundering woes, and Hank recruits Walt to help him work out a new Heisenberg theory. But this episode, ladies and gentlemen, belongs to Gus Fring. Tonight, Giancarlo Esposito is even more amazing than his usual level of amazing.

Curb Your Enthusiasm (10pm, HBO) - Larry is haunted by a traumatic childhood experience involving an ice cream truck, which affects his relationship with his new girlfriend (Ana Gasteyer), an important softball game, and his therapy bills. Also, Larry pals around with former baseball player Bill Buckner, who is still dogged by a 1986 World Series gaffe.

Photo from SmithsonianChannel.com

What to Watch on Sunday: VMA tribute to Winehouse, Bush talks 9/11

MTV Video Music Awards (9pm, MTV and VH1) - Tony Bennett will introduce a tribute to the late Amy Winehouse during tonight's show. The tribute includes footage of Bennett's duet of "Body and Soul" with Winehouse. Other performers scheduled for the show are Lady Gaga, Adele, Bruno Mars, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, and Pitbull.

Drop Dead Diva (9pm, Lifetime) - Jane represents an engineer who claims a school is going to be built on toxic soil, but the construction company handling the build is is one of the firm's most important clients, and Parker orders Jane to drop the case. Meanwhile, Teri is sued for slander for verbally attacking her high school nemesis, played by Patti Stanger ("Millionaire Matchmaker").

Leverage (9pm, TNT) - Sterling enlists the gifted grifters to pilfer a nuclear reactor component from a skyscraper in Dubai during an international chess tournament.

True Blood (9pm, HBO) - Trouble in Shreveport means Sookie must use her powers to rescue Bill, which causes Marnie to rethink her grand plans.

George W. Bush: The 9/11 Interview (10pm, National Geographic Channel) - Former President George W. Bush shares candid details about his personal experiences on 9/11 and recalls the hours and days following the attacks. Includes never-before-seen archival footage and exclusive materials directly from the George W. Bush Presidential Library. Read Adrienne's review.

Breaking Bad (10pm, AMC) - A frustrated Walt takes a risky gamble and Hank requires the assistance of Walter Jr. for an unusual reason.

Curb Your Enthusiasm (10pm, HBO) - Wanda Sykes returns to the show tonight. Enough said.

The Glades (10pm, A&E) - An Ernest Hemingway look-alike is found shot in the head and adrift in the ocean. Also, an old lover from Callie's past arrives with a surprise.

Top Gear (10pm, History) - Vehicles worth $500 are tested on the Pacific Coast Highway, and the Subaru Impreza WRX STi is tested in a deserted town.

What to Watch on Sunday: 'Glee Project' finale, Kings of Leon documentary

The Glee Project (9pm, Oxygen) - In the Season 1 finale, the final contestants deliver a group performance of the song "Raise Your Glass," after which the winner is revealed.

True Blood (9pm, HBO) - A Festival of Tolerance in Shreveport finds Marnie plotting another strike against the vampires, much to Tara and Holly's dismay. Meanwhile, a recuperating Sookie mulls a world where Bill and Eric can coexist, and Marcus recruits an ally to deal with Sam.

Drop Dead Diva (9pm, Lifetime) - Jane represents a former sorority house mother who lost her entire savings at a local casino and wants to prove that the casino is responsible for the loss.

In the Flow with Affion Crockett (9:30pm, Fox) - David Koechner, Michael Strahan, and Hugh Moore are Crockett's guest stars.

Talihini Sky: The Story of Kings of Leon (10pm, Showtime) - The story of the brothers Followill, three young men from Oklahoma who, along with their cousin Matthew, rose from humble God-fearing beginnings to become Grammy-winning global superstars. This documentary uses exclusive footage of the members and their family to chart the creation of Kings of Leon in 2002.

Breaking Bad (10pm, AMC) - A shocking discovery unsettles Skyler. Meanwhile, Walter Jr leans on his father to buy him a car, and Mike gets surprise help from Jesse.

Curb Your Enthusiasm (10pm, HBO) - Larry and Rosie O'Donnell vie for the same woman's affection. Also, Larry gets to the bottom of a Japanese cultural tradition and turns down lunch with a Los Angeleno.

Entourage (10:30pm, HBO) - Dissatisfied with his new "Johnny Bananas" costar, Drama hatches a plan to bring Andrew Dice Clay back to the show.

What to Watch on Sunday: McCreery on CMA show, Gervais on 'Curb'

CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock (8pm, ABC) - Scotty McCreery is slated to perform! Oh, and also: Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Lauren Alaina, Reba, and many others.

In the Flow with Affion Crockett (9pm, Fox) - A new sketch comedy series created by actor-comedian Affion Crockett, who is from Fayetteville. Tonight's first episode comes out swinging with a spoof of Tiger Woods trying to get his game back together after his extramarital scandal, and a skit about auditions for new judges on "American Idol."

True Blood (9pm, HBO) - Sookie and Eric side with the king when Bill and Marnie prepare for an epic confrontation.

Curb Your Enthusiasm (10pm, HBO) - Larry's heroic side comes out and Jeff pursues a professional relationship with Ricky Gervais.

The Great Food Truck Race (10pm, Food) - In the second season premiere, eight gourmet food trucks begin their cross-country competition for a $100,000 prize. Things start in Malibu, California, and move on to Las Vegas.

Breaking Bad (10pm, AMC) - Jesse's disappearance leaves Walt fearing the worst. Also, Skyler has a surprising reunion and Hank gives Det. Roberts bad news.

Against the Wall (10pm, Lifetime) - An ex-con accuses some police officers of harassment. Meanwhile, Abby is propositioned by the detective investigating Richie's shooting of a teen, and Sheila visits the mother of the boy Richie shot in an attempt to cope with her own grief.

Ryan & Tatum: The O'Neals (10pm, OWN) - In the Season 1 finale, Ryan and Tatum find themselves at an impasse as the publication date for Tatum's second memoir looms.

What to Watch on Sunday: Prostitutes, parrots, vampires and aliens


RED FLAG WARNING
: Shark Week begins tonight!
 

Same Name (9pm, CBS) - This might actually be really interesting: Comedian Kathy Griffin trades places with a working mother from Fayetteville, Georgia.

True Blood (9pm, HBO) - Sookie hunts for Jason under a full moon while Arlene and Terry wonder about the cause of a strange fire. Also, Eric gives in to a higher authority and Marnie has contact with her supernatural predecessors.

Masterpiece Mystery: Zen (9pm, UNC-TV) - Zen is assigned to the kidnapping of a wealthy industrialist and political party funder whom the Ministry of Justice wants returned alive at any cost.

Bachelorette: The Men Tell All (9pm, ABC) - Six rejected bachelors gather to confront Ashley and each other, and comment on the behavior of Bentley. I guess that means Bentley was smart enough not to show his face there.

Breaking Bad (10pm, AMC) - Jesse's downward spiral continues and things at his house begin to get out of control. Also, Skyler reluctantly decides she better call Saul for help with the car wash, Marie reverts back to an old habit, and Hank hears from an old friend who needs help.

Heidi Fleiss: Prostitutes to Parrots (10pm, Animal Planet) - A profile of former "Hollywood Madam" Heidi Fleiss as she tries to maintain legitimate business interests, stay sober, and care for her menagerie of exotic birds.

Curb Your Enthusiasm (10pm, HBO) - Larry challenges the rules of dating and rethinks a decision regarding a new workplace neighbor.

Against the Wall (10pm, Lifetime) - A new pilot about Chicago Internal Affairs detective Abby Kowalski (Rachael Carpani) who investigates crimes in the department. In the opener, Abby, a beat cop, accepts a promotion to detective in IA, which doesn't sit well with her family of cops. Also stars Kathy Baker and Treat Williams. Here's Adrienne's review.

Falling Skies (10pm, TNT) - Weaver turns more and more erratic, stirring up trouble while on a reconnaissance mission with Tom and Hal. Meanwhile, Pope constructs a potent weapon and Anne makes a startling discovery while performing an autopsy on a Skitter cadaver.

Marriage Ref (10pm, NBC) - Maybe worth tuning in for just to hear JB Smoove and Larry Miller goof on the couples' disputes. Rachael Ray is also a judge.

What to Watch on Sunday: Bobby Flay and 'Iron Chef' return to Raleigh

Same Name (9pm, CBS) - A new show in which celebrities swap lives with non-famous people sharing their same name. And yes, there's actually someone else (in Texas) named David Hasselhoff.

Masterpiece Mystery: Zen (9pm, UNC-TV) - Zen investigates the death of a disgraced aristocrat  who either jumped off a bridge or was pushed -- possibly because of his plan to reveal the existence of a shadowy organization called the Cabal -- while balancing the demands of his superiors.

Iron Chef America: Flay vs. Christensen (10pm, Food) - Raleigh chef Ashley Christensen (right) of Poole's Diner battles Bobby Flay. Christensen is the Poole's Diner owner and executive chef. "Iron Chef America" was in Raleigh in 2006 for the Angus Barn's Walter Royal to battle Cat Cora. Royal won handily. 

Breaking Bad (10pm, AMC) - Walt tries to establish a new alliance as he plots his next move. Meanwhile, Skyler urges him to consider a business opportunity that could keep the family safe.

Falling Skies (10pm, TNT) - Suspicions arise that the children's safe haven may not be so safe after all.

Curb Your Enthusiasm (10pm, HBO) - Larry relishes his role as a "social assassin" until it becomes a liability with his friends, on the golf course and at a Palestinian restaurant.

Entourage (10:30pm, HBO) - In the Season 8 premiere, the guys go to extremes to keep Vince away from temptation after he gets out of rehab, but they're also worried about triggering a relapse when he's excited about a lame idea for a movie. Also, Ari pleads with his wife to end their separation, and Eric and Scott court new clients for their fledgling management company. Check out a trailer of the new season and some interview clips.

What to Watch on Sunday: Jaycee Dugard special, 'Curb' return

Big Brother (8pm, CBS) - Thursday night's premiere revealed that Jordan and Jeff from Season 11 are back. Jordan Lloyd, the winner from Season 11, is from Charlotte. In tonight's episode, nominations for eviction are revealed.

Primetime: Jaycee Dugard - In Her Own Words (9pm, ABC) - Diane Sawyer interviews California kidnapping victim Jaycee Dugard. Dugard was abducted in 1991 by Phillip and Nancy Garrido and held for 18 years. During her captivity, she bore two children, fathered by Garrido.

Drop Dead Diva (9pm, Lifetime) - Jane represents the mother of a dwarf in a case against a sperm bank as she awaits a post-date phone call from Dr. Bill.

True Blood (9pm, HBO) - Sookie has her hands full when she tries to help an uncharacteristically befuddled Eric, but she's in for an even bigger surprise on a visit to Shreveport to see Alcide.

Curb Your Enthusiasm (10pm, HBO) - In the Season 8 premiere, Larry (Larry David, right) has second thoughts about his lawyer and also rethinks a Girl Scout cookie order from the daughter of a sports team owner.

Falling Skies (10pm, TNT) - This series just got a Season 2 pickup from TNT! Tonight, Hal orchestrates a shadowy and perilous plan to slip into an alien lair to rescue been and the other harnessed kids.

Famous Food (10pm, VH1) - The premiere of a new reality series in which seven D-List celebrities try to launch a restaurant together. Some of the gems here include Heidi Montag, Jake Pavelka, Ashley Dupre, and Vincent Pastore.

What to Watch on Wednesday: "Curb's" basic cable debate

Ghost Hunters Academy (9pm, Syfy) - Eight new cadets vie for one opening at TAPS, but one contestant prefers to work alone during a probe of Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville. Read my take on the whole ghost hunting thing...

Are We There Yet? (9pm, TBS) - The premiere of a new sitcom directed and produced by Ice Cube, based on his movie of the same title. It stars Terry Crews, who was terrific as the dad in "Everybody Hates Chris." Check out Adrienne's review.

Curb Your Enthusiasm (10pm, TVGN) - If you don't have HBO and you've never watched "Curb Your Enthusiasm" on DVD, you can now start with the first episode from Season One of this hilarious, unconventional sitcom from Larry David, the co-creator of "Seinfeld." "Curb" fans may wonder how the heck they are going to show this on basic cable without ruining it. I was skeptical too, but it totally works for me. Plus, at the end of each episode, Susie Essman hosts a discussion on the moral crisis or social faux pas consumed Larry. Tonight's discussion panel includes Jon Hamm and Patti Stanger (pictured). 

In Plain Sight (10pm, USA) - A woman wants to escape her mob family but a secret from her past may keep her out of the Witness Protection program. Laura San Giacomo guest stars. 

"Curb Your Enthusiasm" hits basic cable with enhanced episodes

How does TV Guide Network handle the prolific use of profanity on "Curb Your Enthusiasm?" A heck of a lot better than A&E did with "Sopranos."

HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" makes its syndication debut on basic cable this week, hitting the TV Guide Network with uncut episodes and other enhancements that will take the show from the usual half-hour format to one full hour.

On HBO, "Curb" ran for a half-hour without commercials. TVGN runs commercials, but they aren't cutting the episodes to fit them in. Instead, they're expanding the show to a full hour, adding a celebrity discussion panel at the end of each episode.

"Curb: The Discussion" is hosted by Susie Essman, who plays Jeff's wife Susie on "Curb." Essman and a group of celebrities will watch an episode of "Curb" together, and then discuss the episode's moral and ethical dilemmas (such as, How long do you have to wait after your girlfriend's relative dies before you can break up with her?). The panel is actually pretty interesting (and funny), and their arguments are not unlike the watercooler dissections the show's fans engage in with friends and colleagues.

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