A look back at the best and worst of TV in the past week (Nov. 22-28), and a peek at what’s coming up. Don’t worry, no big spoilers this time.

Highlights

The "Seinfeld" gang, back together. (HBO photo)

The "Seinfeld" gang, back together. (HBO photo)

1. “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (HBO). We finally saw the finished product of the “Seinfeld” reunion, and it was, in a word, magnificent. Just as funny as ever and true to the characters, it was like the show never ended. I even think it served as a better ending to “Seinfeld” than the actual series finale. I wished we had gotten to see the whole show-within-a-show, like how we saw much of Larry’s starring role in “The Producers” a few seasons back, but I guess you can’t have everything. The Mocha Joe subplot was the weak spot in the episode and seemed to exist just so people could have an excuse to say “Mocha Joe” again and again. That being said, I like saying “Mocha Joe” too, so I’ll let it slide. Larry’s self-destructive suspicion of Jason Alexander, culminating in Larry’s awful turn at playing the role of George, had me cracking up, and his even more self-destructive pettiness as Cheryl was trying to get back together was even funnier. And for a second there I actually thought we were going to get Larry in a tender moment; I should’ve known better. Great finale to a great season.

2. “Sons of Anarchy” (FX). Not since watching “The Departed” have I been so eager to see some skull-cracking violence. Fantastic buildup of tension leading to the big showdown between SAMCRO and Zobelle and Weston. And how cool was it to see Lem from “The Shield” show up as a Tacoma-based gang member? I hope he sticks around. The two big showdowns themselves were a little anticlimactic (I want more blood!), but I’ll wait until this week’s episode to pass final judgment. By the way, the song played leading up to the fight was “Hands in the Sky (Big Shot)” by Straylight Run. Pretty cool fight song, especially coming from an emo band.

3. “Modern Family” (ABC). As funny as it is watching Phil be the dorkiest dad in the world, it’s nice to see him be right sometimes. And the party he threw for his son Dylan rocked. A jumpy room, rock-climbing wall and creepy animal show beats a crafts table any day. Though how funny was the whole comb sheath? Not a bad day for a kid who only wanted a belt. Cameron was great as Fizbo the clown, too. Best line of the episode? Phil trying to explain his fear of clowns: “My mother says it’s because when I was a kid I found a dead clown in the woods, but who knows . . . ”

Honorable mention: The half-season finale of “V” (ABC) might have been the best episode yet. Loved Chad’s dilemma and the uh-oh reveal at the end. Too bad it’s taking a four-month break so all traces of momentum can be lost. Chris Elliot was great as Lily’s neglectful dad on “How I Met Your Mother,” and the whole Slapsgiving deal was pretty funny. Five free slaps, wow, that’s hardcore. And though he’s easy to mock, Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” is a pretty decent show, especially when it features a “five-star dive bar” that’s been — unbeknownst to me — hiding only four blocks from my house. Thanks for the eye-opening recommendation, Guy.

Lowlights

Just stop talking.

Just stop talking.

1. Jeffrey Steingarten on “Next Iron Chef” (Food Network). What a crabby old sourpuss. He’s a great food writer, but seems to be a bit of an ass in person. His arrogance is really off-putting, and the way he pitted the judges against the panel of Iron Chefs was unnecessary. He also gets big chunks of food stuck to his lips and cheeks and chin when he eats, which is just gross.

2. Sam & Dan on “The Amazing Race” (CBS). Stealing a cab from another team is a straight-up dirty move, and between their us-vs.-the-world attitude and their constant whining and bickering, I’m liking the brothers less and less.

3. Donny Osmond on “Dancing With the Stars” (ABC). Really, America? Really?

Looking forward to . . .

1. “Sons of Anarchy” (10 p.m. Tues., FX). The season finale. In the wake of last week’s events, I’m really curious to see where it goes. I don’t want to say “Was that it?” but . . . .  This week’s episode is titled “Na Triobloidi,” which is Gaelic for “The Troubles,” what the Irish call the decades-long bloodshed in Northern Ireland, so I’m guessing the IRA gun-running angle is going to be a major factor. And it looks like the Mayans get taught a lesson in who not to cross.

2. “Top Chef” (10 p.m. Wed., Bravo). The final four will become the final three as the show moves to Wine Country. Word on the street says the Quickfire will be onboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, with the elimination challenges at Brix and Cyrus.

3. “Scrubs” (9 p.m., ABC). Call it “Scrubs Version 2.o.” The series gets a full reboot, with the main characters (mostly) becoming occasional guest stars and new, young doctors becoming the focus of the show. I sure hope they find better new characters than the ones they got last season — Denise was the only funny one who was kept around.

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