A look back at the best and worst of TV in the past week (Nov. 28-Dec. 4), and a peek at what’s coming up. Warning: Top Chef spoiler.

Highlights

1. “Sons of Anarchy” (FX). The tension got ratcheted up to an excruciating level in the Season 2 finale. The payoffs – all of them – were well worth it. It was a hugely satisfying episode, and even managed to sate my bloodlust for a few certain characters. Nice game-changing cliffhangers at the end that will doubtlessly have deep repercussions in Season 3.

2. “Top Chef” (Bravo). With the most talented final four chefs in the series’ history, it was a real shame one of them had to go home. All four chefs prepared what appeared to be fantastic dishes, and Jen’s oversalting turned out to be the worst mistake any of the four made. I wonder if she had salted the plates a few minutes earlier the result would have been the same – judge Michael Chiarello gave the impression that the salt flakes simply hadn’t had time to dissolve. BTW, how awesome was Michael’s mocking handshake with his brother, Bryan? At least the audience aren’t the only ones who think he’s a robot.

3. “The Amazing Race” (CBS). I worried, I threw up my hands in exasperation, I hated, I cheered. Sounds like a perfect episode. I love how the race creates its own drama, even when not all the teams are likable, or even particularly compelling.

Lowlights

1. “Jersey Shore” (MTV). Ugh, somehow my living room stank of Axe body spray after watching that. On the bright side, the Jersey Shore has now replaced Anywhere in Florida as the No. 1 place in America that I never want to visit, so that’s helpful for my future vacation plans.

2. “Steven Seagal: Lawman” (A&E). So horribly awkward and unintentionally hilarious that it’s almost on my “highlights” list. It’s everything you’d expect out of a reality show starring Steven Seagal: immensely self-referential, intensely serious to the point of spoof, and full of blathering little nuggets of Zen wisdom. I really feel for the cops who are forced to ride along with him.

3. “Gossip Girl” (The CW). Oh, so, so bad. When did everyone on this show become dumber than a bag of hammers, and just as predictable? Nate suddenly seems like the smartest, savviest, most empathetic character! AND the best actor! How did that happen?!? Well, it was all terrible. There was still the Giants Walking Arched Eyebrow that is Chuck Bass, and the ever-suffering Durota got a nice storyline for once. And at least Blair acts like she watches the show and appreciates the ridiculous turns. Everyone else? Stupid and stupider.

Looking forward to . . .

1. “The Amazing Race” (8 p.m. Sunday, CBS). The three remaining teams fly to Las Vegas for the finale and $1 million. It’s Meghan & Cheyne’s race to lose, and I’ll be firmly in their corner, cheering them on. They may not be exciting, but they’re darned good racers.

2. “Top Chef” (10 p.m. Wednesday, Bravo). The season finale. The previews suggest there are actually some bad dishes, which is kinda shocking. Can’t wait though, this should be a decision for the ages. I’m rooting for Kevin.

3. “Better Off Ted” (9:30 p.m. Tuesday, ABC). The second season of last season’s best new comedy kicks off. Can’t wait to see what horrors Veridian Dynamics will unleash on the world.

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