SUNDAY
Springfield is finally fed up, and the town banishes Homer and clan as “The Simpsons” marks its 500th episode (8 p.m., Fox). (As one of the longest-running shows ever, it’s a wonder the town put up with Homer and Bart this long.)
Also Sunday, the 20th (!) season of “The Amazing Race” kicks off with a trek from Santa Barbara, Calif., to Santa Barbara, Argentina. (8 p.m., CBS). Last season was the first I gave up on (call it reality TV fatigue, because I also skipped this season of “Top Chef,” another former favorite.) But I think I’m ready to wade back in… at least for the first few episodes. Among this season’s contestants: Brendon and Rachel from “Big Brother.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWjOG7h-L-s
MONDAY
“Castle” (10 p.m., ABC) concludes a two-part episode with no less than national security on the line. But really, aren’t “Castle” fans really tuning in to see if Beckett gets jealous of Castle’s past with the attractive CIA agent played by Jennifer Beals.
TUESDAY
It’s been a busy couple of weeks for “True Blood” guest stars on network TV. Mehcad Brooks, a.k.a. Eggs, turned up as a member of the bomb squad on “Alcatraz” and Anna Camp, a.k.a. Sarah Newlin, is a new associate on “The Good Wife.” But “New Girl” (9 p.m., Fox) outdid them both by reuniting two former “True” lovebirds: Ryan Kawnten and Lizzy Caplan, a.k.a. Jason and Amy, both shared the screen. Caplan continues her guest-starring role this week, as Nick’s girlfriend Julia.
Before “New Girl,” “Glee” (8 p.m., Fox) concludes its winter season as New Directions faces off against the Warblers at regionals.
FRIDAY
Will this be the last year for “Fringe” (9 p.m., Fox)? Critically acclaimed but ratings challenged, this sci-fi show was moved to Fridays, which is where good shows often go to die. It’s new tonight, so watch it while you can. Although with it’s complicated mythology, you might want to start with season one on DVD. That’s what I’m doing…working my way up on DVD. Hopefully, if “Fringe” does conclude this season, it will go out with a finale as satisfying as two other fantastic but canceled shows relegated to Fridays: “Chuck” and “Friday Night Lights.”
