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What to Watch on Friday: Finales for 'Vegas,' 'Touch' and 'Blue Bloods'

Kitchen Nightmares (8pm, Fox)- In the final episode of the fifth season, Chef Ramsay visits Amy's Baking Company in Scottsdale, Arizona, which is clean but has issues with food and service.

Vegas (9pm, CBS) - In the Season 1 (and let's be realistic, probably the series) finale, a vengeful Sheriff Lamb (Dennis Quaid) joins forces with Savino (Michael Chiklis) to bring down Porter Gainsley, who was behind the murder of Lamb's wife and the attempt on Katherine's wife.

Touch (9pm, Fox) - In the Season 2 series finale (Fox is not renewing), Aster Corporation's success depends on the completion of the number sequence, and CEO Nicole Farrington relies on two new test subjects to get it done.

Shark Tank (9pm, ABC) - To filmmakers from Los Angeles seek an investment for their movie about motorcycle racing, and an idea is pitched for a hot pink hamburger truck staffed by beautiful women.

Tanked (9pm, Animal Planet) - A tank resembling a donut dunked in a cup of coffee is constructed for a Florida business.

Blue Bloods (10pm, CBS) - In the third season finale, the Reagans go after a gang leader who killed Jamie's partner, and Danny works an angle involving the gang leader's girlfriend. Meanwhile, a second crisis occurs and unnerves Frank.

What to Watch on Friday: A not-so-happy ending for Penny

Nikita (8pm, CW) - Owen begins to unlock the secrets from his past, with help from Amanda. Also, Alex tells Birkhoff that she wants to leave Division.

Eve of Destruction (8pm, Reelz) - In part one of a two-part miniseries, two scientists look to space to tap an unlimited energy supply for Earth, but when their experiment is sabotaged by eco-activists, it turns an already risky proposition into one that could mean the end of the planet. Stars Steven Weber. Part airs Saturday night at 8.

Happy Endings (8pm, ABC) - Couples game night at Brad and Jane's turns a tad too competitive, prompting Penny to make a surprise move. Seth Morris guest stars. At 8:30, the gang wonder about Penny's state of mind after a traumatic event, and then get really concerned when they learn she's written a play called "Black Plague: A Love Story."

Vegas (9pm, CBS) - DA Reynolds sweats the idea of a wiretap on Savino's phones, but Ralph, Jack and Katherine expect to use it to their advantage. Later, Mia is shocked when her supposedly deceased mother shows up in town and sets her romantic sights on Savino.

Spartacus: War of the Damned (9pm, Starz) - In the series finale, Spartacus and his outnumbered rebel force prepare for what could be their final, pivotal battle against the Romans.

Da Vinci's Demons (10pm, Starz) - After the "Spartacus" finale, you'll probably want to hang around for the newest Starz series, chronicles the life of Leonardo Da Vinci, but portrays him as a sort of action hero. Stars Tom Riley.

Blue Bloods (10pm, CBS) - Linda stops Danny from questioning a wounded accomplice before surgery, but the patient doesn't survive the procedure, leading to a feud between Linda and Danny concerning protocol.

Out There (10pm, IFC) - After Wayne backs out of participating in a father-son event, Chad asks Sharla's dad to fill in.

What to Watch on Tuesday: 'Smash' is back and J-Hud is on board

Pioneers of Television (8pm, UNC-TV) - The season 3 finale focuses on miniseries, including "Roots," "Rich Man, Poor Man" and "The Thorn Birds." LeVar Burton, John Amos, Ben Vereen, Leslie Uggams, Peter Strauss and Richard Chamberlain are some of those interviewed.

Betty White's Annual 90th Birthday Special (8pm, NBC) - Betty White celebrates her 91st birthday with Blake Shelton, Bill Cosby, Lily Tomlin, Bill Clinton and many others.

Smash (9pm, NBC) - In the two-hour Season 2 premiere, "Bombsell" runs into financial trouble that threatens the production, and Karen is mentored by a Broadway star and discovers a new artist in an unexpected place. Jennifer Hudson (at right with fellow "American Idol" alum Katharine McPhee joins the cast.

Emily Owens, M.D. (9pm, CW) - In the final episode of this series, Emily's decision to start a relationship with Micah becomes even more complicated when Wiill hears about it and feels jealous.

The Mindy Project (9:30pm, Fox) - Mindy sets up Jaime's female best friend with Danny for a double date on Valentine's Day.

Justified (10pm, FX) - Raylan encounters unexpected danger while searching for Drew Thompson.

Vegas (10pm, CBS) - Jack is faced with breaking some dire news to Mia, while at the same time he's compelled to hide vital information from her and his brother.

Edge of America (11pm, Travel) - In a new timeslot, host Geoff Edgers embarks on a rugged outdoor adventure in Maine. Included: sword fighting on the high seas like a pirate, racing a super-fast lobster boat and testing lumberjack skills.

What to Watch on Tuesday: Get the facts from 'Santa Claus is Comin' to Town'

Raising Hope (8pm, Fox) - Virginia becomes an extreme couponer to stock up on supplies when she believes an apocalyptic prophecy from an ancient calendar, and encourages the whole family to get ready for the end of the world.

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town (8pm, ABC) - As I say each year: This is the highly informative stop-motion documentary of the actual true history of Santa Claus. Featuring the voices of Fred Astaire and Mickey Rooney, and starring Topper the Penguin, Winter Warlock and Burgermeister Meisterburger.

Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa (9pm, CW) - The Muppets unwittingly prevent three letters from reaching Santa Claus, so Kermit and his friends work to deliver the messages to the North Pole. Features Whoopi Goldberg, Nathan Lane, Uma Thurman, Jesse L. Martin and Jane Krakowski.

Happy Endings (9pm, ABC) - Jane and Alex's parents throw a big celebration to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the family mattress business, and Jane agonizes over coming up with an amusing toast to spring on her humorless dad. Meanwhile, Alex's parents are unaware that she and Dave have reunited.

Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23 (9:30pm, ABC) - James makes his debut on "Dancing with the Stars" in Los Angeles. While he's away, Chloe runs a scam out of his New York penthouse.

Parenthood (10pm, NBC) - Adam and Kristina weather a serious health scare, while Sarah feels torn between Mark and Hank. Also, Amber and Ryan encounter obstacles and Zeek tries to redeem a childhood hero.

Vegas (10pm, CBS) - Katherine takes a special interest in the investigation into the rape and murder of a showgirl at the Stargazer Casino, while back at the Savoy, Savino lands an influential high roller and hopes his notoriety will convince other high-stakes gamblers to visit.

What to Watch on Tuesday: Thanksgiving episodes of Fox and ABC comedies

American Masters: Inventing David Geffen (8pm, UNC-TV) - A profile of entertainment mogul David Geffen, who began his career in the William Morris Agency mail room in 1964, featuring remarks from friends, associates and observers, including Cher, Tom Hanks, Don Henley, Jeffrey Katzenberg and Steven Spielberg. The biography covers his business successes and philanthropic efforts, as well as his rifts with the Eagles and the Clintons, his lawsuit against Neil Young and his struggles with cancer and homosexuality.

New Girl (9pm, Fox) - Jess enlists Schmidt's help for a "Parent Trap"-type scheme when her divorced parents (Jamie Lee Curtis, Rob Reiner) visit for Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, Schmidt must deal with his own family drama when Winston pits him against his visiting cousin, Big Schmidt (Rob Riggle, right). Also, "Thanksgiving"-themed episodes on "Raising Hope," "Ben and Kate" and "The Mindy Project."

Happy Endings (9pm, ABC) - It's Thanksgiving dinner at Alex and Dave's new place, but Dave goes a little overboard when he feeds his guests a heaping helping of his heritage in his efforts to have them experience the holiday in a Navajo way. Meanwhile, Max scores a copy of the lost season of "The Real World," in which he and Brad were cast members. There's also a Thanksgiving episode of "Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23."

Parenthood (10pm, NBC) - Crosby and Jasmine organize an event for Jabbar's school, and Amber gains insight into Ryan's past during a road trip. Also, Sarah and Mark question their relationship after facing a parenting dilemma.

Frontline: Poor Kids (10pm, UNC-TV) - The economic crisis is seen through the eyes of three young girls in the Quad Cities, a group of cities along the Iowa-Illinois border that have been hit hard by the recession.

Vegas (10pm, CBS) - The Milwaukee mob puts out a  hit on Savino, and Sheriff Lamb finds himself protecting the casino boss instead of trying to get the goods on him.

What to Watch on Tuesday: 'Happy Endings' and 'Don't Trust the B' return tonight

Cuban Missile Crisis: Three Men Go to War (8pm, UNC-TV) - A documentary recalling the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, when the U.S. and USSR squared off over secret Soviet missile bases in Cuba. The report details the actions of President John F. Kennedy, Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev and Cuba's Fidel Castro during the 13-day stalemate.

Ben and Kate (8:30pm, Fox) - Kate wants Ben to be more prepared for emergencies, but he argues that he can't plan for everything. Meanwhile, Ben's ex-girlfriend visits and BJ falls for her boss.

Happy Endings (9pm, ABC) - In the Season 3 premiere, the rocky relationship between Alex and Dave is on-again, while an accident puts Penny in a full body cast and turns Max into her angel of Mercy -- until he gets an eyeful of her hunky physical therapist. Later, Brad tries to keep a secret from Jane.

Emily Owens, M.D. (9pm, CW) - Emily learns that the nurses don't like her when she is assigned a difficult case as revenge. Later, Emily considers using a secret she knows about the chief to get speedy approval on a procedure.

Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23 (9:30pm, ABC) - The second season begins with James Van Der Beek trying to organize a "Dawson's Creek" reunion, but he makes some shocking discoveries and encounters some stars from TV's past, including Busy Philipps, Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Frankie Muniz.

The New Normal (9:30pm, NBC) - David and Bryan conclude their baby needs godparents. Elsewhere, Bryan tries to connect with his Catholic roots by visiting church, where he receives unexpected advice.

Parenthood (10pm, NBC) - Kristina prepares for surgery and finds that Max has a class speech scheduled for the same day. Also, Drew isn't pleased that he and Sarah are moving in with Mark, and Ryan asks Amber out.

Vegas (10pm, CBS) - The investigation into the murder of a black maid reveals a connection to a prominent local businessman, while Savino's interest in investing in another casino piques the interest of the Milwaukee mob.

What to Watch on Tuesday: Can 'Dr. Horrible' sing his way into Evil League of Evil?

Jane's Journey (8pm, Animal Planet) - The television premiere of Lorenz Knauer's film about the personal and professional life of celebrated environmental activist Jane Goodall.

Raising Hope (8pm, Fox) - A social worker investigating a claim at the Chance house becomes suspicious of the family's treatment of Maw Maw and wonders if they're fit to care for her.

Ben and Kate (8:30pm, Fox) - Ben and Kate discover a list from an unfinished scavenger hunt that their dad created 15 years earlier, and they set out on a mission to find the remaining items. Go ahead and watch all the Fox comedies tonight: "New Girl" at 9 and "The Mindy Project" at 9:30.

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (9pm, CW) - The popular web series starring Neil Patrick Harris (right) and Nate Fillion comes to regular TV tonight. In the inspired Josh Whedon musical, an aspiring super villain (Harris) tries to gain acceptance into the Evil League of Evil to impress a pretty girl at a laundromat. Unfortunately, his superhero arch nemesis, Captain Hammer (Fillion), keeps thwarting his attempts. If you've never seen it, do yourself a favor and check it out.

Frontline: The Choice 2012 (9pm, UNC-TV) - The two-hour Season 31 premiere features profiles of President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney.

Go On (9pm, NBC) - Grieving causes Ryan to become a compulsive eater, triggering an intervention from the group.

Sons of Anarchy (10pm, FX) - SAMCRO explores new business opportunities. How's that for vague program info? Next week, "stuff happens."

Parenthood (10pm, NBC) - Kristina shares her medical news with the family. Also, Victor's baseball game makes Joel nervous and Sarah and Hank share a sensitive moment.

Vegas (10pm, CBS) - Mia's father, a hot-headed Chicago mob boss with a gambling problem, causes trouble for Savino when he visits the Savoy.

Ink Master (10pm, Spike) - The second season of this competition reality series is features a tattoo artist from Fayetteville, Steven Givens (aka Kay Kutta).

What to Watch on Saturday: Some great options on a do-over night

Tonight, the networks are giving you a chance to catch up on a few of the week's premieres, plus a great marathon you should watch (if you can).

Homeland (Noon, Showtime) - If you have Showtime and didn't get to see the first season of their stunning Emmy-winning drama "Homeland," a marathon starts today at noon. All episodes air, concluding with the Season 1 finale at 11 p.m. Season 2 begins tomorrow night.

Vegas (8pm, CBS) - A repeat of Tuesday night's debut of a new fact-based crime drama starring Dennis Quaid as a 1960s Nevada lawman who clashes with Chicago mobsters running a Las Vegas casino. Not many people saw it Tuesday night and it's worth watching, so check it out. Also stars Michael Chiklis and Jason O'Mara.

Elementary (9pm, CBS) - A repeat of Thursday's pilot about Sherlock Holmes investigating crimes in modern-day New York City, as a consultant to the NYPD. Another good one you should check out if you missed it  earlier. Stars Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu.

Lake Placid: The Final Chapter (9pm, Syfy) - A new sheriff has a big problem on her hands when a poacher unleashes the wrath of giant crocodiles in the fourth installment of this campy horror movie franchise.

Law & Order: SVU (9pm, NBC) - A repeat of the 2-hour 14th-season opener (really just two episodes back-to-back), which involves Capt. Cragen being arrested for murdering a prostitute.

Saturday Night Live (11:29, NBC) - Even SNL is a repeat tonight. It's last season's finale episode with Mick Jagger, Arcade Fire, Foo Fighters and Jeff Beck.

New Fall Season: "Vegas" feels like a sure thing

Vegas

Tuesdays, 10 p.m. CBS

Dennis Quaid in a cowboy hat and Michael Chiklis as a mobster? Yes, please.

The casting alone makes it hard to resist "Vegas"; thankfully, the drama doesn't disappoint. In fact, I'm more excited after the first episode about the places "Vegas" can go.

Inspired by a true story, Quaid plays Ralph Lamb, a rancher and former military police officer during WWII, who is stubbornly and aggressively trying to hold on to his land and raise his cattle while 1960s Las Vegas morphs into the gambling capital it will eventually become. He runs the land with his less hot-headed brother Jack (Jason O'Mara) and Lamb's son Dixon.

What to Watch on Tuesday: Big premiere nights for CBS and Fox

Here we go, people. The fall TV season kicks into high gear this week! These are just the new shows airing tonight. Don't forget that previously debuted shows like "The Voice" (NBC), "Go On" (NBC), "The New Normal" (NBC), "Parenthood" (NBC), "Sons of Anarchy" (FX) and "Dancing with the Stars" also air.

NCIS (8pm, CBS) - The 10th season begins with an emotionally damaged NCIS team searching for criminal mastermind Harper Dearing after a bomb destroys the Navy yard and their headquarters.

New Girl (8pm, Fox) - In the Season 2 opener, Jess is laid off from her teaching job and volunteers to be a shot girl at Schmidt's "rebranding" party. Parker Posey guest stars as a jaded cocktail waitress. In a second episode airing at 9, Jess pretends she's someone else when a handsome stranger (the amazing David Walton, right) mistakes her for his blind date.

Ben and Kate (8:30pm, Fox) - A really funny new sitcom about Kate, a straitlaced single mom, and her older brother Ben, a young-at-heart dreamer. Only watch if you want to see the best new sitcom of the season. My review.

NCIS: Los Angeles (9pm, CBS) - In the fourth season premiere, Callen is placed on suspension for the public shooting of the Chameleon, while Hetty adjusts to retired life.

Frontline: Dropout Nation (9pm, UNC-TV) - The stories of four at-risk students at Houston's Sharpstown High  School, a once-notorious "dropout factory," and the teachers, counselors and principal who are trying to keep them in school.

The Mindy Project (9:30pm, Fox) - A new series from Mindy Kaling ("The Office") in which Kaling plays an Ob-gyn with a messy personal life. There's a lot to like here. My review.

Vegas (10pm, CBS) - A new fact-based crime drama set in 1960s Nevada about a rancher who reluctantly turns lawman. The new sheriff, played by Dennis Quaid, investigates the murder of the governor's niece and locks horns with a Chicago mobster running a swanky Las Vegas casino. Adrienne's review.

Private Practice (10pm, ABC) - In the Season 6 premiere, Addison's romance flourishes and Sheldon reconnects with his ex-wife

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