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Canceled: AMC bails on "Rubicon"

This cancellation makes me sad, but I can't say I'm shocked.

AMC's "Rubicon" was a really smart thriller about smart people solving complicated mysteries. But it wasn't exactly action-packed. It didn't have any explosions or car chases or graphic violence or explicit sex scenes, so not that many people watched (there was one not-very-graphic torture scene, but it was too little too late for viewers). It's a shame.

At least they got to close the book on the main mystery that provided the plot for the season, although I was curious about how the evil consortium was gonna snuff out the newly clovered Truxton Spangler.

Now let's get James Badge Dale on another good show stat.

What to Watch on Sunday: Who will survive the "Mad Men" finale?

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (8pm, ABC) - The man who created the "Move to the Groove" dance program to help combat childhood obesity gets help rebuilding his family home. Derek Hough, Mark Ballas, Tony Dovolani, Chelsie Hightower, and Anna Trebunskaya from "Dancing with the Stars" help out.

Dexter (9pm, Showtime) - Dexter catches a mysterious woman (Julia Stiles, right) who may have witnessed him in the act of killing a serial killer who was also her captor. Deb has a frightening experience with a murder suspect in the Santa Muerte homicides, and Quinn uncovers more striking similarities between Kyle Butler and Dexter Morgan.

Boardwalk Empire (9pm, HBO) - Failing to get an audience with Nucky, who is preoccupied with the upcoming St Patrick's Day festivities, Margaret goes to Van Alden with a tip about secret shipments of beer. Meanwhile, in Chicago, Jimmy takes care of his girl, who was brutally attacked by gangsters in revenge for Capone's attempts to take over their territory. A preview of tonight's episode.

Rubicon (9pm, AMC) - In the season finale, Will finally discovers the missing link between Truxton and Hadas' death, and Katherine learns the real truth behind her husband's suicide. No word yet on whether AMC will pick this up for a second season.

Mad Men (10pm, AMC) - In the Season 4 finale a surprising opportunity rears its head for both Don and Peggy, leaving them with life-altering decisions to make. Michael Auisello over at EW (for now) is worried that a major character will attempt suicide tonight. Ack! 

Luther (10pm, BBC America) - A new series starring Idris Elba (Stringer Bell from "The Wire") as a detective who investigates a seemingly perfect double murder while also trying to win back his wife, who has already moved on. Adrienne has a review.

Bored to Death (10:30pm, HBO) - A professor (F. Murray Abraham) in a financial bind asks Jonathan to retrieve an item of great value. George panics when his new employers demand that he take a drug test, and Ray's comic book succeeds beyond his expectations.

What to Watch on Sunday: Chalky White wants revenge

Undercover Boss (9pm, CBS) - The CEO of DirecTV works undercover at his company and discovers that employees are spending their own money for a vital piece of work equipment. Gee. Wonder what that's like...

Boardwalk Empire (9pm, HBO) - The exiled Jimmy makes the rounds with Al Capone in Chicago, though the two budding gangsters don't always agree on methods. Also, Lucky Luciano finds a surprise on a visit to Jimmy's apartment and Chalky White (Michael Kenneth Williams, right) tries to solve a murder.

Rubicon (9pm, AMC) - Believe it or not, last week's "Rubicon" had pulse-pounding action and suspsense. There are only two episodes left counting tonight's, in which API works with the FBI and CIA to stop a terrorist strike. Also, Kale Ingram turns to an unlikely source to try to keep Katherine out of harm's way. And we assume Will is now sleeping with one eye open.

Dexter (9pm, Showtime) - Dexter hires a nanny to free up his time to stalk murder suspects and potential victims. There are some really stunning moments in this episode, especially in the last 20 minutes. Don't miss!

Brothers & Sisters (10pm, ABC) - Is Kitty ready to move on after Robert's death? I mean, it's been two whole weeks. Tonight she meets a handsome handyman played by Jeremy Davidson. Also, the family plans a surprise birthday party for Sarah, but Luc is the one surprised when he learns her real age.

Mad Men (10pm, AMC) - Don encounters an old friend while coping with disastrous events at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. Also tonight, Sally (Kiernan Shipka, left) tries to get closer to Betty and her stepfather Henry. The words, "Betty, please be nice" jump to mind. After tonight, only one more episode this season.

Bored to Death (10pm, HBO) - The S&M case comes back to haunt Jonathan when he's kidnapped by a pair of thugs looking for the dungeon's computer hard drive. George (Ted Danson) gets some bad news from his urologist, but springs into action to help Ray (Zach Galifianakis) after getting the ransom call from Jonathan.

What to Watch on Sunday: New seasons of "CSI: Miami" and "Next Iron Chef"

Lies in Plain Sight (8pm, Lifetime Movie Network) - A blind woman turns to her family for answers in the suicide death of her cousin, only to discover dark secrets from their childhood. Here's our review.

Rubicon (9pm, AMC) - I know it started off slow, but "Rubicon" is getting really good. Trust me. Tonight, Truxton gives Will a special assignment and Katherine receives a threat, which makes her afraid to leave her house.

The Next Iron Chef (9pm, Food) - The third season kicks off with ten new contestants in Los Angeles. The Chairman's Challenge has them cooking a meal on the beach.

Desperate Housewives (9pm, ABC) - Bree fires her handyman (Brian Austin Green) after falling for him (eww), and Susan feels guilty lying about her new job -- being taped cleaning houses while scantily clad.

CSI: Miami (10pm, CBS) - The ninth season begins with Horatio's team losing one of its members when a psychotic genius poisons someone in the lab and wreaks havoc in Miami. In the photo here, Horatio (David Caruso) and Delko (Adam Rodriguez) help an unconscious Calleigh (Emily Proctor) but we're pretty sure she's not the one going down for good.

Mad Men (10pm, AMC) - An emergency meeting at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce has rumors flying. Will Roger come clean about Lucky Strike?

Glades (10pm, A&E) - In the season finale, a caddie is murdered and it's discovered that he was recently released from prison, where he served time for the attempted rape of a female pro golfer.

The Haunted (10pm, Animal Planet) - The season premiere has the story of a paranormal researcher allegedly seduced and posssessed by a female demonic creature. I'm starting to notice that a lot of these Animal Planet shows aren't really about animals.

What to Watch on Sunday: "Gates" and "Food Truck" finales, "Boardwalk" debut

Boardwalk Empire (9pm, HBO) - Tonight is the Martin Scorsese-directed debut of HBO's new drama set in Atlantic City at the dawn of Prohibition. Steve Buscemi (left) plays Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, who controls the booze going through the town. Read our review and make a date to tune in.

Great Food Truck Race (9pm, Food) - In tonight's season finale, not only do we find out of Grill 'Em All can beat the undefeated and seemingly undefeatable Nom Nom Truck for the top prize, but also learn officially if Durham's Only Burger truck won the network's online food truck contest.

The Gates (9pm, ABC) - Two new back-to-back episodes end out the first season (the show is currently waiting to hear if they'll get picked up for a second). In the first episode, Buckley and Vanessa make a decision that has ramifications for the entire community. At 10pm, the Monohans prepare to leave The Gates, but Charlie complicates things by running away with Andie. Also, the Radcliffes persue Devon, who has the means to destroy their entire race.

 

Fantasia for Real (10pm, VH1) - Fantasia's reality show gets even more real in the second season. In the opener, Fantasia has everyone moved out of her house and Aunt Bunny confronts her about tabloid rumors concerning her love life.

Keep reading for more on Sunday shows.

What to Watch on Sunday: An assist from Josie Tigertail on "Glades"

Rubicon (9pm, AMC) - A security breach at API leads the FBI to put the department on lockdown, and Katherine suspects her home is no longer safe. AMC has a marathon of the first 6 episodes "Rubicon" today starting at 9am, and then this new episode at 9pm.

The Great Food Truck Race (9pm, Food) - Loving this show. The four remaining teams travel to New Orleans, where a surprise catfish-cookoff awaits. I bet the Ragin' Cajun will cry for sure when he finds out about this! (Vote for Durham food truck Only Burger to be on this show next season!)

Ochocinco: The Ultimate Catch (9pm, VH1) - Two women remain and Chad's choice comes down to passion versus a "close mental connection." Oh my. I wonder which he'll choose.

The Glades (10pm, A&E) - Jim (left) investigates the death of a Native American tribal elder who crashes to her death through a skylight at the Blues Rock Casino, and the case has him collaborating with Josie Tigertail, a tribal police officer. Later, Callie gets jealous when she sees Jim interacting with Josie Tigertail. I'm promoting this only so I can say "Josie Tigertail." I think I would rather watch a show about him. Or her.

The Gates (10pm, ABC) - Nick learns more about Claire and Dylan's vampiric past when a kidnapper snatches their daughter Emily.

Mad Men (10pm, AMC) - A quickly approaching deadline causes stress at the Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce office.

What to Watch on Sunday: More Vampire King of Mississippi, please!

Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman (8pm, Discovery) - Morgan Freeman hosts a series of shows (originally airing on the Science Channel) that examine some of the great mysteries of the universe. Tonight's back-to-back-to-back episodes look at implications regarding a possible creator, black holes, and time travel.

True Blood (9pm, HBO) - How unbelievably awesome is the Vampire King of Mississippi? Can HBO please give him his own show right now? Tonight, on heels of last week's stunning national news appearance, the King (Denis O'Hare) vows revenge on his enemies. And he's probably still carrying Talbot around in that candy jar.

The Great Food Truck Race (9pm, Food) - The six remaining teams arrive in New Mexico and a snow storm complicates the competition.

Drop Dead Diva (9pm, Lifetime) - The nauseating "Bachelor" Jake Pavelka guest stars as a dating show producer being sued by a former contestant.

Rubicon (9pm, AMC) - Will begins to suspect someone at API is behind his ongoing problems. The episode is called "Connect the Dots," so let's hope it does.

Mad Men (10pm, AMC) - Don and Pete disregard Roger's wishes while trying to land an important new client.

Need "Rubicon" training?

Is AMC's "Rubicon" moving too slowly for you? Maybe it's you...

There's an interesting article at InventorSpot.com about the decidedly low-tech, old fashioned problem-solving techniques of AMC's conspiracy theory drama, with tips on adjusting your mindset to the more analytical nature of the show (and a link to a cool NYT Rubicon-themed crossword puzzle).

"Rubicon" stars James Badge Dale as a think tank analyst whose discovery of a hidden code in a series of crossword puzzles leads to his boss's death (we assume). . . .

What to Watch on Sunday: Bill can't quit Sookie on "True Blood"

Scoundrels (9pm, ABC) - In the first season finale (and perhaps series finale?) Logan finds evidence of Wolf's innocence, and Wolf is surprised to see his wife embracing another man.

Dora's 10th Anniversary Documentary (9pm, Nick) - A documentary exploring the cultural and educational impact of "Dora the Explorer" with comments from celebrity fans Anderson Cooper, Shakira, and Rosie Perez.

True Blood (9pm, HBO) - Bill (Stephen Moyer, left) learns more about Sookie's true identity and Jason finds an unlikely ally in his feud with Calvin and Felton. Also, Nan confronts Eric about The Magister's disappearance, and a grieving Russell vows to get back at his enemies.

Drop Dead Diva (9pm, Lifetime) - A woman causes a scene at an awards ceremony where Jane is being honored, accusing Jane of stealing her husband.

Rubicon (9pm, AMC) - Will travels to Washington with Spangler, and his team is left to make an important decision on their own. Meanwhile, Katherine discovers a mysterious voice mail message on Tom's phone from the day before he died.

Mad Men (10pm, AMC) - Pete gets an order from Roger and Lane and finds himself with a personal dilemma.

The Great Food Truck Race (10pm, Food) - In the series opener, seven gourmet food trucks arrive in San Diego where the teams compete to see who can earn the most money. Read more about it here.

Roast of David Hasselhoff (10pm, Comedy Central) - Seth McFarlane hosts a roast of the Hoff. Roasters include Pamela Anderson, Greg Giraldo, Lisa Lampanelli, Hulk Hogan, Jeffrey Ross, Jerry Springer, and George Hamilton. It doesn't sound like a fair fight at all.

What to Watch on Sunday: James Deaver novel comes to Lifetime

The Devil's Teardrop (8pm, Lifetime Movie Network) - An original movie based on a bestselling novel by Jeffrey Deaver in which a handwriting specialist (Tom Everett Scott, right) retired from the FBI helps a special agent investigate a serial murderer. All while battling his ex-wife (Rena Sofer) for custody of their kids.

The Uprising (8pm, Animal Planet) - A new documentary tracing the increase in aggressive animal behavior toward humans. They must have found about all that laboratory testing. Narrated by Richard Belzer ("Law & Order: SVU).

Speed of Life (8pm, Discovery) - A new Discovery series in which photographers capture images from nature with high speed cameras. Three episodes tonight: Africa's wildlife at 8, Central American Rain Forest creatures at 9, and predators and prey in the American Southwest at 10.

Hoarding: Buried Alive (8pm, TLC) - A new season of the TLC hoarding show which is almost exactly like the A&E hoarding show (which came first, incidentally).

Rubicon (9pm, AMC) - Katherine is still trying to figure out why her husband committed suicide and why he had a second secret home.  Meanwhile, David's son wants the motorcycle David gave to Will (James Badge Dale, left) just before his death, which leads Will to uncover another set of clues about David's fatal accident.

Army Wives (10pm, Lifetime) - Dr. Jill Biden guest stars as herself, visiting base to discuss challenges facing military familes whose relatives have been deployed. Read more about it here.

Mad Men (10pm, AMC) - Don takes a trip to Acapulco while Lane and Joan have a major disagreement at the office. Also, Joan does a little family planning.

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