A look back at the best and worst of the past week on TV, and a look ahead to what’s coming up.
Highlights
1. “Rescue Me.” Taking a break from the bleak and grim, they turned out what was probably the single funniest episode in the series. And still had time for scenes of heartbreaking sadness and a dramatic rescue. I love this show.
2. “Lost.” It was only a couple of lines, but Hurley’s “Empire Strikes Back” bit stole the show for me. Which was tough, because I really liked the Miles-centric storyline. He’s a good character, hopefully we’ll see him more. So who were those guys in the van who kidnapped him? He was one of the dudes on the Ajira flight! Hmmmmm.
3. “Party Down.” Jaw-droppingly hilarious. Thanks for reminding me why I pay up the nose for premium cable channels. The “recommended for mature audiences” warning is so, so, well-earned. Who knew Ron had a little Dirk Diggler in him?
Lowlights
1. “Amazing Race.” Fine episode, but the fun parts were overshadowed by the flat-out stupid blunders by the Stuntmen and Jen & Kisha, who abandoned their bags and taxis (and in J&K’s case, their passports and money). Their inexplicable decisions to continue the race without their stuff — knowing they’d have to go back at some point — was one of the worst decisions in the history of the show. Juts inexcusable. Both teams deserved to be eliminated, but the Stuntmen (who were caught cheating, again) were spared. Hopefully they’ll get the boot Sunday. One funny spot: I don’t think the Stuntmen ever realized the “beautiful Thai girls” in the karaoke taxi were actually trannies. Heh.
2. “Rock of Love Bus.” A skanky ending to the skankiest show on TV. Mindy was the more real of the two finalists, but did you ever think Bret wouldn’t pick a Penthouse Pet? Rock stars dig centerfolds. Especially extra-slutty ones. Congratulations Taya. Ick.
3. TBS’s annoying programming. For starting “My Boys” a minute early and ending it a minute late, so I missed both when my DVR recorded it. Same thing used to happen with ‘Trust Me.” Huge strides have been made in DVR technology — mine knows when “Lost” runs late and when “The Office” starts early. But TBS messes it up time after time. Really, really frustrating. What’s worse is, TBS won’t post “My Boys” on On Demand until a week later. Way to win over viewers, Ted.
Looking Forward to. . .
1. “Amazing Race” (8 p.m. Sunday, CBS). Will the Stuntmen finally get eliminated? Pleeeeease? And a smackdown between Jen and Luke. Truthfully? Based on that clip we saw, he deserved to be called a bitch on national TV. Deaf or not, he’s a jerk
2. “Sit Down, Shut Up” (8:30 p.m. Sunday, Fox). It’s getting pretty lousy reviews, but I’m still curious. If for nothing else than to see just how the main players behind “Arrested Development” could go so wrong.
3. “Rescue Me” (10 p.m. Tuesday, FX). I forget what the previews were, but this is fast becoming my most-anticipated show of every week.
