MTV Video Music Awards (9pm, MTV) - Controversial British comedian Russell Brand (left) returns to host the 26th annual VMAs, which has Janet Jackson opening with a tribute to her brother Michael Jackson. Jay-Z, Taylor Swift, Green Day and Pink are among scheduled performers. Beyonce and Lady Gaga have tons of nominations.
True Blood (9pm, HBO) - It's the second season finale and I can only hope for the sake of the show that Maryann is destroyed or sent back to hell, or whatever it is you do with a dead maenad. She has Sookie involved in her big "sacrifice" ritual tonight, which is sure to be entertaining. Evan Rachel Wood is back as vampire queen Sophie-Anne, with strict instructions for Eric on how to handle Bill. We also get to see what fate awaits our favorite shape-shifter, Sam. They better not harm a hair on his nekkid little self.
Mad Men (10pm, AMC) - Somehow, this show manages to top itself each week. Tonight, Don and Betty are called to the school over Sally's troubling behavior. Not sure what they expect after the way she was ignored while attempting to grieve over the sudden death of her grandfather. So it looks like it'll take state involvement to prompt Don and Betty to actually interact with their daughter in a way that goes beyond, "Go watch TV." Am I the only person seeing our budding ballerina-bartender as an estranged teenager living in a drug commune in California by 1972?
Brooke Cain isn't always proud of the number of hours she logs in front of the TV, but her loss of brain cells can be your gain. From reality shows to sitcoms to the more serious stuff, Brooke keeps her DVR smoking so that she can help keep you in the know. Brooke also tweets for Happiness is a Warm TV (you can follow 
