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What to Watch on Sunday: With 'Prime Suspect' to the bitter end

Downton Abbey (9pm, UNC-TV) - Episode 3 finds Isobel and Cora butting heads over control of Downton's medical role and Mrs. Bird launching a soup kitchen. Also, Matthew and William embark on a perilous patrol behind German lines.

Prime Suspect (9pm, NBC) - Tonight, NBC burns off the two final episodes of this good-but-canceled crime drama. In the first, Duffy and Calderon (Kirk Aceveda, left) investigate the rape-murder of a young girl while Jane (Maria Bello, left) and Augie handle the shooting of a woman on the Upper East Side. Also, Jane has a heart-to-heart talk with Matt. In the second new episode, Jane learns that a jailed hit man may be responsible for a drive-by shooting at a local store, and Sweeney orders security when a hit is ordered on one of their own.

Oprah's Next Chapter (9pm, OWN) - Part 1 of a 2-part interview with "Star Wars" creator George Lucas at his Skywalker Ranch in California. Oprah also talks to Cuba Gooding Jr. and Terrence Howard, stars of "Red Tails," Lucas' movie about Tuskegee Airmen.

American Idol (10pm, Fox) - You aren't reading that wrong: Fox  is showing a special episode of "Idol" at 10 p.m. And it's after the NFC championship game so it could start even later than that.

Californication (10:30pm, Showtime) - Hank finishes a draft of a film script, presents it to Samurai and proceeds to hit the road, but his attempts to leave hit a snag.

Pan Am (10pm, ABC) - While flying to Rome, Collette befriends a handsome, mysterious man and agrees to show him around the Eternal City. Also, Laura discovers that the Life magazine photographer sold the nude photos he took of her to a gallery, where they are on display.

What to Watch on Sunday: Rumplestiltskin, zombies, an obnoxious kid

Once Upon a Time (8pm, ABC) - Emma learns more about Henry's theories and the people of Storybrooke, while Mayor Regina uses a gift of apples to encourage her to leave the town. In the fairytale world, the Evil Queen makes a deal with Rumplestiltskin (Robert Carlyle, left) to get the curse she needs.

The Simpsons (8pm, Fox) - In Treehouse of Horror XXII, Homer gets his arm caught in a boulder in an isolated canyon, where's paralyzed by can communicate via natural gases. Mountain climber Aron Ralston provides his own voice.

Allen Gregory (8:30pm, Fox) - A new animated series about an arrogant and mature-beyond-his-years seven-year-old (voiced by Jonah Hill) who must attend public school after one of his fathers makes a bad investment. Check out Adrienne's review.

The Walking Dead (9pm, AMC) - The group await Shane's return from the school, unaware that he's trapped and surrounded by zombies. Meanwhile, Daryl and Andrea continue to scour the woods for Sophia.

The Good Wife (9pm, CBS) - It's the season of the ex-wife on "The Good Wife." This time, Eli's ex (Parker Posey) asks him to vet her for a possible political campaign.

Case Histories (9pm, UNC-TV) - The third episode in this series finds Scottish PI Jackson Brodie acquiring a teen partner (Gwyneth Keyworth) who wants him to find her missing employer in exchange for having saved his life after he's involved in a train wreck. Based on the stories of Kate Atkinson.

Homeland (10pm, Showtime) - Carrie believes her suspicions about Brody may be proven correct when he confronts the sole survivor of the insurgents who held him hostage. But the reunion ultimately raises even more questions. This series, filmed partially in Charlotte, was just renewed for a second season.

Pan Am (10pm, ABC) - Katie is given a difficult mission involving Yugoslavian diplomat Niko Lonza (Goran Visnjic), and Maggie fights to keep her job after she's accused of insubordination.

What to Watch on Sunday: Mysteries, histories, and zombies

The Walking Dead (9pm, AMC) - In tonight's 90-minute Season 2 premiere, Rick and the group leave Atlanta and encounter a zombie threat on a highway, the likes of which they have never seen. Shortly after, the group must search for a missing person. Here's my full review of tonight's episode.

Masterpiece Mystery: Case Histories (9pm, UNC-TV) - The first of three "Case Histories" adapted from the popular Kate Atkinson novels finds Edinburgh, Scotland, private investigator Jackson Brodie (Jason Isaacs, left) looking into a 30-year-old missing persons case, investigating the murder of a young woman, and locating the niece of a seductress.

The Good Wife (9pm, CBS) - Alicia takes a pro bono case in which a witness becomes the prime suspect. Meanwhile, Will and Diane plot the firm's direction and their futures.

Boardwalk Empire (9pm, HBO) - Philadelphia gangsters may prove to be more important middlemen for rival factions to get booze into and out of Atlantic City. Meanwhile, Nucky's lawyer hatches an idea to expand the scope of his election-fraud case, and Chalky still feels like a prisoner, even though he's out of jail.

Dexter (9pm, Showtime) - A serial killer from Dexter's past makes a shocking reappearance, and Debra has problems settling into her new job.

Homeland (10pm, Showtime) - An exclusive television interview will thrust the Brody family into the national spotlight, unless Dana pulls off her plan to sidetrack the whole bogus process. Elsewhere, Carrie's embedded operative in Prince Farid's camp gets trapped in a chilling situation.

Pan Am (10pm, ABC) - A last-minute change sends the crew to exotic Rangoon, where Maggie takes Laura under her wing, showing her the wilder side of the city.

What to Watch on Sunday: Ken Burns' 'Prohibition' and Showtime premieres

Prohibition (8pm, UNC-TV) - Part 1 of Ken Burns' three-part history of the prohibition era (1920-33) opens with the start of the temperance movement in the 19th century under the stewarship of such leaders as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Frances Willard and Carry Nation. Also, the Anti-Saloon League, which pushed for a constitutional amendment that would ban the sale and manufacture of alcohol. Timing for this is great, with the popularity now of HBO's "Boardwalk Empire."

The Hunt for the I-5 Killer (8pm, Lifetime) - A movie based on the true story of a detective (John Corbett) who connects numerous murders and sexual assaults along Interstate 5, which runs through California, Washington, and Oregon.

The Good Wife (9pm, CBS) - Alicia navigates the finer points of English law when she tries a civil case in a British court via satellite and goes up against a queen's councilman, played by Eddie Izzard.

Breaking Bad (10pm, AMC) - Things are getting crazy and tonight's episode is a real adreneline kick. A homebound Hank leans on Gomez to explore one final lead on Gus, as Walt scrambles to protect his family. Meanwhile, Jesse gets some disturbing news and races to confront Walt. Next week's episode is the season finale and I can't even make a guess about what might happen. Is this the greatest television show ever?

Boardwalk Empire (9pm, HBO) - Despite being publicly embarrassed by legal trouble, Nucky's biggest concern may be holding on to his private army in the battle for control over Atlantic City.

Dexter (9pm, Showtime) - In the sixth season premiere, Dexter (Michael C. Hall) shows up at his 20th high school reunion with the intention of confronting the former prom king. Elsewhere, an investigation into a heinous murder with religious overtones leads Dexter to ponder spiritual matters and wonder about his son's legacy. And an unexpected situation results in Debra becoming a hero. More info on Season 6 and tonight's episode.

Homeland (10pm, Showtime) - In the pilot for this new political thriller (filmed in Charlotte), a marine (Damian Lewis) is rescued after eight years as a POW in Afghanistan returns home a war hero. But CIA operative (Claire Danes) suspects he may actually be an enemy agent with a connection to Al Qaeda and part of a plan to commit a terrorist act on U.S. soil. Here's my review.

Pan Am (10pm, ABC) - Kate and Laura are surprised when their mom boards the plane on a flight headed to Paris. Meanwhile, Maggie deals with the unwanted attentions of an aggressive passenger, and Dean tries to track down some leads on Bridget.

Hung (10pm, HBO) - In the Season 3 premiere, Ray and Tanya get creative to find financing when they hatch an idea to relaunch a proven product. Watch the Season 3 trailer.

How to Make it in America (10:30pm, HBO) - In the second season premiere, Ben and Cam look for a way to market their CRISP attire in New York after a promising debut in Tokyo. If you need to get in the mood, a special mixtape for the show is streaming here.

What to Watch on Sunday: Big premieres! Lots of new stuff tonight.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (8pm, ABC) - First Lady Michelle Obama appears in this Season 9 premiere, which features the residence for homeless female veterans in Fayetteville. The Steps-N-Stages Jubiliee house was founded by Navy veteran Barbara Marshall, and was renovated with the help of armed forces members and the Godfrey Group of Durham. Photos from the construction.

Amazing Race 19 (8pm, CBS) - The 19th season begins with 11 two-team members, including former "Survivor" winners Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca. The show introduces a new "hazard" penalty this season.

The Simpsons (8pm, Fox) - The Season 23 premiere has Homer involved in a terrorist plot and features Kiefer Sutherland as a security guard. Meanwhile, Marge dreams of being on "Top Chef," so Tom Colicchio lends his voice.

Cleveland Show (8:30pm, Fox) - In the Season 3 premiere, Cleveland is upset when Peter (Seth McFarlane) comes to town and doesn't look him up, she goes camping with Ric Flair.

Boardwalk Empire (9pm, HBO) - Lots of trouble all around for Nucky Thompson in tonight's second season premiere. Nucky (Steve Buscemi) must try to play peacemaker after Chalky has a dangerous run-in with the KKK, and must also try to dodge the feds, who are still after him. Meanwhile, Al Capone looks to expand the illegal booze business in and around Chicago, and Agent Nelson Van Alden's wife comes for a visit.

The Good Wife (9pm, CBS) - Season 3 opens with Alicia defending a Muslim student accused of murdering a Jewish classmate. Look for the animosity between Alicia and Peter to heat up this season. And based on this new poster, look for the romance between Alicia and Will to heat up as well.

Desperate Housewives (9pm, ABC) - The eighth and final season begins with the ladies and Carlos trying to dispose of the body of Gaby's evil stepfather after Carlos killed him to protect Gaby.

Family Guy (9pm, Fox) - The Griffins are broke as Season 11 opens, but Peter has a plan to turn that around: the purchase of 200,000 lottery tickets.

American Dad (9:30pm, Fox) - In the seventh season premiere, Stan buys a singing hot tub. Cee-Lo Green provides his own voice and that of the hot tub.

Pan Am (10pm, ABC) - A new series following the adventures of stewardesses and pilots during the glamorous 1960s "Jet Age." The show is pretty to look at, but not much happens in the first episode. Still, I'm hopeful enough to watch at least once more (read my short review). Christina Ricci stars.

CSI: Miami (10pm, CBS) - The tenth season begins with Horatio bleeding from a gunshot wound and Natalia battling to free herself from the trunk of a submerged car, as the other CSIs try to capture an escaped murderer before he kills again.

Breaking Bad (10pm, AMC) - This isn't a premiere, but it's worth mentioning because it's the best thing on TV tonight (or any night). And we're getting close to the season winding down. Tonight, Walt makes moves to protect his secret and to protect Gus. Meanwhile, Skyler is further stymied in her attempt to help Ted with his financial problem.

Also tonight, a new season of "60 Minutes" (CBS, 7pm) begins, "Drop Dead Diva" (Lifetime, 9pm) season finale, and the second season of "The Great Food Truck Race" (Food, 9pm) ends.

THE NEW FALL SEASON: 'Pan Am'

Pan Am
Sunday, 10 p.m. on ABC

This series follows the lives of beautiful Pan Am stewardesses (and a few handsome pilots) in the early 1960s. It's a bit like "Playboy Club," but on an airplane. Also, less stuff happens.

"Pan Am" has oodles of retro glamour, but the light tone didn't work for me. Musically and visually, the pilot starts strong and ends strong. But sometimes in the middle, I felt like I was watching a slightly racy Disney movie. In fact, at one point when a stewardess was running through an airport to make her flight, I half-expected a shaggy dog or waddle of penguins to crash into her in a madcap fashion. I really think most of that is due to the soundtrack (note to ABC: more of the jazzy lounge singers, less of the swelling orchestral "Secretariat" theme music).

Apart from a few catty attendants and some extramarital shenanigans (light smooching is all we see), there's no real drama or tension until nearly the end. And even then, it's not very convincing. Still, given the interesting twist at the end, I'm holding out hope that "Pan Am" can make some adjustments and soar. But right now, it's not a show I'm the least bit excited about. Stars Christina Ricci, who looks fantastic.

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