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What to Watch on Sunday: 'Luck' ends and 'Mad Men' begins

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.

What to Watch on Sunday: The Oscars and a tense 'Walking Dead'

The Amazing Race (8pm, ABC) - The race continues in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where teams are required to use math skills at the world's largest cattle market.

The 84th Academy Awards (8:30pm, ABC) - The Red Carpet show starts at 7, but the actual awards aren't scheduled to begin until 8:30. Billy Crystal is back as host (his ninth time!), which could either be really cool or really lame. I'm nervous for him. Note: E! has a Red Carpet show starting at 5:30 and for those super-obsessed people, a Countdown to the Red Carpet that starts at 1:30. I'm doing a live recap here later tonight, so check back.

The Walking Dead (9pm, AMC) - A ridiculously tense and suspenseful episode tonight. Do not miss it. Most of the tension surrounds a showdown between Rick and Shane (right), which has been a looonnng time coming. It gave me a stomach ache from stress. Oh yeah, and there's also tons of zombie gore.

The Celebrity Apprentice (9pm, NBC) - The teams produce and perform a medieval-theme show for an audience, but an insubordinate contestant and a serious injury mar the task. Note: Our "Celebrity Apprentice" recap will be late due to the Oscars telecast. Look for it by lunchtime Monday.

Luck (9pm, HBO) - Ace takes the reins when Escalante surprises Gus with his decision to race Pint of Plain with an inexperienced jockey in the horse's debut.

Eastbound & Down (10pm, HBO) - Kenny tracks down Stevie, who's working at Ashley Schaeffer's car dealership, when he heads north with the baby to find April.

What to Watch on Sunday: Grammys, zombies, comic books

Grammy Awards (8pm, CBS) - LL Cool J hosts the 54th annual music event from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Kanye West leads all nominations with seven. Scheduled to perform: Adele, Paul McCartney, Coldplay, Rihanna, Foo Fighters, Taylor Swift, the Beach Boys, Bruce Springsteen, Tony Bennett, Carrie Underwood and many others. Our own David Menconi will be live-blogging the event and tracking how our local nominees do.

The Walking Dead (9pm, AMC) - The second season resumes in the aftermath of the bloodbath (wait, do zombies bleed?) at the barn. Rick tries to restore order and a devastated Hershel turns to the bottle for solace. Some new characters are introduced tonight, including a shady traveler played by Michael Raymond James ("Terriers," "True Blood"). James' scenes have the feel of a tense, classic Western. He's a welcome addition to the show. Can we swap him for Lori?

Downton Abbey (9pm, UNC-TV) - The Spanish flu sweeps through the household infecting Cora, Lavinia and Mr. Carson.

Desperate Housewives (9pm, ABC) - Susan is shocked when Julie returns  home very pregnant, and Bree's drinking and lust continues unabated.

Luck (9pm, HBO) - Jerry pursues a deal to buy the horse that Renzo lost to Mulligan while also talking to Escalante about training it. I've been on the fence about this show, and reports that horses are being injured and euthanized during production haven't helped me.

Comic Book Men (10pm, AMC) - A new series that looks at life in and around a New Jersey comic book store opens with manager Walt challenging the staff to a sales competition at a flea market.

House of Lies (10pm, Showtime) - Marty takes on Roscoe's school after his son is slapped with sexual harassment charges for kissing another boy.

What to Watch on Sunday: Super Bowl or Super Downton Abbey?

Super Bowl XLVI (6pm, NBC) - As if you didn't know: New England Patriots vs. the New York Giants in Indianapolis. Madonna performs at halftime. Someone convince me to pull for their team and I will. If football isn't your thing, and you've already seen all the great commercials leaked online, there's always the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet.

60 Minutes Presents: Three Remarkable Women (8pm, CBS) - Morley Safer profiles Meryl Streep, Anna Wintour, and Dolly Parton.

Downton Abbey (9pm, UNC-TV) - In episode 5, the household prepares for the war's end and the family looks forward to having a private home again -- unless cousin Isobel (Penelope Wilton pictured with Elizabeth McGovern) has her way. Also, in a remarkably "soapy" twist, a wounded officer makes a startling claim that could alter the Downton succession plan.

Luck (9pm, HBO) - In the second episode of the series (which has already been renewed for another season by HBO), Ace (Dustin Hoffman) meets with his parole officer and starts to line up potential investors as a public face for his next big venture. Also, Walter finds a seasoned jockey for his prized thoroughbred, much to Rosie's dismay.

Shameless (9pm, Showtime) - When Eddie Jackson's body turns up, Frank thinks he should be in line to claim his pension and insurance benefits.

The Voice (10:30pm-ish, NBC) - Season 2 debuts after all the Super Bowl hoopla, so the 10:30pm start time is fluid. Tonight is the first night of blind auditions, during which coaches Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton begin choosing 12 vocalists for their respective teams.

What to Watch on Sunday: SAG Awards and 'Luck' on HBO

Screen Actors Guild Awards (8pm, TNT and TBS) - This is sort of the stepchild of the major awards shows, relegated to basic cable and without any kind of host. But I'll still watch!!! Especially since tonight Dick Van Dyke will present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Mary Tyler Moore.

Luck (9pm, HBO) - HBO officially debuts their new drama series about the world of horse racing (viewers got a sneak preview in Decemeber). It stars Dustin Hoffman as an owner trying to get back into the swing of things after three years in jail. Also stars Nick Nolte. Written by David Milch and directed by Michael Mann. Here's Adrienne's review.

The Good Wife (9pm, CBS) - The last new episode we got ended with a bit of a cliffhanger, so I'm hoping for more insight into the whole Kalinda/Will con tonight. Also, Wendy Scott-Carr presents her evidence against Will to the grand jury, and when Alicia takes the stand, details of her relationship with Will are revealed.

Downton Abbey (9pm, UNC-TV) - In a really great episode 4, Matthew and William are engaged in a fierce battle at the front, and Vera strikes a cruel blow against Bates and Anna.

A Smile as Big as the Moon (9pm, ABC) - A fact-based drama about a Michigan high school football coach and special ed teacher who fights an uphill battle to take his students to NASA's Space Camp in Alabama in the 1980s.

Shameless (9pm, Showtime) - Fiona is concerned she is dumping too much responsibility on the Gallagher children when stress causes Debbie to break out in a rash. The Gallagher children stressed? YOU DON'T SAY.

An Evening of Stars (11pm, BET) - This UNCF fundraising showcase features Patti LaBelle, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Marsha Ambrosius, Ledisi, Musiq Soulchild, and many others.

Good writing, good casting and very good "Luck"

I don't like horse racing and I think dude ranches are horse slave plantations. I think horses look sad and don't want to walk around on the same trail everyday with some yanking, kicking dope on their backs.

Yet, I still loved "Luck" (9 p.m. Sunday, HBO) because it's the kind of series the network does so well: it's character-driven, detailed and takes you into a world rich with stories and meaning.
 

What to Watch on Sunday: 'Boardwalk Empire' finale and new 'Luck' for HBO

The Christmas Pageant (8pm, Hallmark) - A hot-tempered theater director (Melissa Gilbert) from New York City reluctantly takes a job directing a small-town Christmas pageant. During her stay, she runs into an old flame (Robert Mailhouse) and begins to warm up to the townspeople and their traditions.

Amazing Race (8pm, CBS) - The final three teams finish the race in Atlanta, and one team claims the $1 million prize.

Once Upon a Time (8pm, ABC) - Someone in Storybrooke dies while another resident begins to remember the fairy tale past.

Dexter (9pm, Showtime) - Dexter develops a macabre scheme to apprehend the Doomsday Killers.

Real Deal (9pm, History) - Up for grabs tonight: a Harry Houdini autograph and "The Last Waltz" album autographed by Bob Dylan and Neil Young. Features Raleigh auctioneer Jason McCoon, Another episode airs at 9:30.

Boardwalk Empire (9pm, HBO) - In the Season 2 finale, Nucky's trial approaches and a broken Jimmy starts thinking about reconciling with his old mentor. Meanwhile, Margaret mulls an offer from Esther Randolph that will have momentous consequences. Last week's episode was crazy intense (and just plain crazy!), and tonight's season-ender should be as well.

Homeland (10pm, Showtime) - After the explosion, Saul finds a manic Carrie hospitalized and realizes there may be merit to her wild theories.

Luck (10pm, HBO) - A sneak peek at a new HBO drama series about the world of horse racing, focusing on owners, jockeys, trainers, and gambler. Stars Dustin Hoffman, Nick Nolte, and Dennis Farina.

Hell on Wheels (10pm, AMC) - Durant challenges the Cheyenne to a competition in an effort to bring a halt to ongoing negotiations, while Elam and Cullen try to prevent bloodshed in town.

HBO orders new series starring Dustin Hoffman

HBO announced today that they have ordered a new series starring Academy Award-winning actor Dustin Hoffman.

The series, titled "Luck," will be an inside look at the world of horse racing, examining owners, jockeys, gamblers, and gaming industry players. The pilot for "Luck" was directed by Michael Mann ("The Insider," "The Aviator"), and based on a script by David Milch ("NYPD Blue," "Deadwood").

The series will also star Dennis Farina, John Ortiz, Kevin Dunn, Richard Kind, Jason Gedrick, and Nick Nolte. Jill Hennessy will guest star.

Filming begins this fall at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California.

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