A look back at the best and worst of TV in the past week (Aug. 15-22), and a peek at what’s coming up.
Highlights
1. “Mad Men.” A welcome return of the best show on TV. Who would have ever thought one man’s existential crisis would make for such a fascinating series?
2. “Top Chef” and “Top Chef Masters.” I’ll put them together because they pair so well. The sixth season of “Top Chef” opened with a bang, and gave hints that this could be its most competitive season yet. I’m going to become so obsessed with this show. “Top Chef Masters” lacked the drama of its cousin, but made up for it in sheer class and artistry. The three chefs in the season finale all appeared to make astoundingly good dishes, and Rick Bayless’ narrow victory was well-deserved. Now that I’m done drooling over the TV, I need to get myself to Fleur de Lys and taste some of Hubert Keller’s cooking firsthand.
3. “Entourage.” Hands-down, “Murphy’s Law” was the series’ best episode in two or three seasons. There was a lot going on, everything felt so, so right and there were a ton of laughs. Andrew’s scorned wife raged through Ari’s agency, putting Ari in the crisis mode where he thrives. E finally found a grown-up job and — thank god — ended his relationship with Gollum. Err, I mean Ashley. And most awesomely, Drama likely sabotaged his own career in an effort to protect Turtle from having his girlfriend stolen by a skeevy network exec. Misguided? Oh yes. But Drama’s finest hour. Give the guy credit — he knows how to go down in flames.
Lowlights
1. “Hoarders.” Not that it’s a bad show. It’s actually strangely fascinating, emphasis on the “strangely.” But the food-hoarder’s house on Monday’s series premiere was so disgusting that I wanted to gag just watching it. I may never look at a pumpkin the same way again. Between this, “Intervention” and “Obsessed,” A&E is becoming the network of record for people with severe psychological problems. To their credit, it’s all handled very professionally and with dignity. But criminy, there are some seriously messed-up people out there. It’s uncomfortable to watch.
2. “Shaq Vs.” I’m morally opposed to this show now that I know Shaq stole (ahem, allegedly stole) the idea from former teammate Steve Nash. Weak.
3. “Top Gear.” Or rather, me, for missing the season premiere Monday on BBC America. Crap, I need to look at a TV Guide more often. Thank goodness for On Demand.
Looking forward to . . .
Well, “Mad Men” and “Top Chef” are my two default faves for next week, but that goes without saying. So here’s what else is on my list:
1. “Being Human” (9 p.m. Saturday Aug. 29, BBC America). Damn Brits. Just as I’m getting into this supernatural series, the season ends. I’m all for shorter seasons, but six episodes is kinda ridiculous. The Season 1 finale airs next Saturday. Don’t expect Season 2 anytime soon; it’s not scheduled to run in the UK until January 2010. Which probably means next summer here. Grrrr.
2.” Futurama: Into the Wild Green Yonder” (9 p.m. Sunday, Comedy Central). Another direct-to-DVD “Futurama” movie gets its broadcast premiere. I’ve found the previous “Futurama” movies not as good as the individual episodes, but I still watch ’em. And it’s a nice little reminder that the show will be back with fresh episodes in the not-too-distant future, with the original cast returning after a contract dispute.
3. “Rescue Me” (10 p.m. Tuesday, FX). Only two more episodes to go this season. A 22-week season might have been too long — the show has dragged recently. But it seems to be picking up. Things between Tommy, Janet and Sheila are ready to explode. I don’t think this ends well for Tommy.
4. “Michael and Michael Have Issues” (10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Comedy Central). The most sublime passive-aggressive comedy on the air. Next week the guys agree to appear on a competing sketch show. Hilarity ensues.
5. “What Would Brian Boitano Make?” (1 p.m. Sunday, Food Network). OK, I’m not actually going to watch it. But I might catch a rerun if I see it. I’ve mocked it enough, I think I owe it at least a cursory viewing. I’ve actually heard some really, really good reviews. I’m still dubious, and I’m really not into cooking shows unless there’s some sort of competition going on. But I’ll try to be open-minded. If anyone sees it, leave a comment and let me know how it is.
