A look back at the best and worst of TV in the past week (Nov. 15-21), and a peek at what’s coming up.
Highlights
1. “Sons of Anarchy” (FX). The best episode of the season, full of gasp-inducing moments of revelations and laying the groundwork for the doubtlessly bloody revenge against Zobelle and his crew. And now that Opie knows the truth, it’ll be interesting to see how that changes the dynamic of the club.
2. “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (HBO). The “Seinfeld” reunion line-reading session was fantastic, a rare glimpse of what it really must be like behind the scenes of a sitcom. In a rarity for “Curb,” it was a moment of pure magic, of talented people having fun, and the natural chemistry and laughs among the cast seemed completely real. The Michael Richards racially-tinged fight and Larry’s mistaken pedophilia were a bit of a stretch, but still funny.
3. “White Collar” (USA). “Modern Family” aside, this might be my favorite new show of the season. It’s breezy and fun, just the kind of lighthearted show that you need to end the week on a good note.
Honorable mention: Phil being baffled by the bassist from Spandau Ballet on “Modern Family,” the shooting accident and piggyback rides on “Parks and Recreation,” the D.E.N.N.I.S. seduction method on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”
Lowlights
1. “Gossip Girl” (The CW). It’s quickly going from guilty pleasure to embarrassing habit. This week’s episode was awful. With the exception of Chuck, every character seems to have become either more unlikable (Blair, Jenny) or more stupid (Serena, Dan) this season. Dan’s hipster “Snow White” play was cringe-inducing, and so is his pining for Vanessa. Ugh. Someone please turn this into the Chuck Bass show. And bring Durota back.
2. Tyler on “V” (ABC). He’s the stupid, love — err, lust-struck son of FBI agent Erica, and wow, do I hate him, even though I’m liking the rest of the show. His character seems completely phony, like a melodramatic caricature that would fit better on “One Tree Hill.” When was the last time a cool TV hero had such an annoying kid? Um, how about Kim Bauer on “24”? He’s comparable. Maybe we’ll get lucky and his alien girlfriend will eat him or something.
3. Kari Ann on “Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew” (VH1). What a horrible person. I wanted to throw something through my TV and peg her in the head. I was surprised at how un-sleazy the show is, and how everyone was portrayed so sympathetically. Well, except for Kari Ann, who’s such a blatant emotional trainwreck that a Psych 101 student could figure her out in two minutes. But more than messed-up, she’s mean, petty and oblivious. Nobody gets to yell at Dr. Drew like that!
Looking forward to . . .
1. “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (9 p.m. Sunday, HBO). The season finale and the big episode with the reunion of the “Seinfeld” cast. Should be pret-tay, pret-tay funny.
2. “Sons of Anarchy” (10 p.m. Tuesday, FX). The setup to the season finale, as SAMCRO prepares their retaliation against the white separatists. I haven’t felt this sort of TV bloodlust since “The Shield.”
3. “Amazing Race” (8 p.m. Sunday, CBS). It’s down to the final four teams, and there’s now bad blood between Sam & Dan and the Globetrotters (which I don’t get, but whatever). Tonight they head to Prague, and since there are still three episodes left, I’m betting this is a non-elimination leg.
