A look back at the best and worst of TV in the past week (Oct. 10-Oct. 16), and a peek at what’s coming up.
Highlights
1. The one liners on “30 Rock” (NBC). From Tracey’s out-of-touch standup about eating lobster in St. Bart’s to Jenna’s country music ode to tennis, to everything that came out of Jack’s mouth, the funniest show on network TV showed why it’s No. 1. Welcome back, “30 Rock.”
2. “Sons of Anarchy” (FX). Clay’s blind rage led the gang right into a trap, as Zobel showed he really is smarter than the average white separatist. Now that SAMCRO are all (well, almost all) wearing matching jumpsuits, maybe they’ll start listening to Jax’s voice of reason.
3. (tie) “Parks and Recreation” (NBC). The delegation from Pawnee’s sister city in Venezuela just cracked me up. As an arrogant despot of a Parks & Rec minister, Fred Armisen pulled off his best role since the creepy Italian guy in “Eurotrip.” Loved his henchmen’s titles – Minister of Small Fountains, Administrator of Hedges – loved their pen-stealing, loved their idea of a Hugo Chavez spitting statue, and especially loved how April was just as surly and deadpan in Spanish as she was in English. An hysterical half hour.
3. (tie) “How I Met Your Mother” (CBS). The couples date from hell brought a ton of laughs. Marshall’s crazy commemorative web site was awesome, as was his obsession with gouda, and sturdy cheese-bearing crackers.
Lowlights
1. The Balloon Boy (every news channel in the country). What an embarrassment to TV “news.” I swear I actually heard CNN’s Wolf Blitzer ask “Now, what would make a helium balloon just float away like that?” Sigh. The whole story was idiotic and overblown from beginning to end. And I’m calling bull—t on the family, I think the whole thing was a publicity stunt. If you doubt that, consider this: They did every morning talk show Friday even though their kid was so stressed he kept throwing up. Desperate fame-whores or just thoughtless, awful parents? You decide.
2. Zev & Justin’s elimination from “The Amazing Race” (CBS). Speaking of throwing up, I still feel queasy thinking about what a kick in the gut it was for these guys to win the stage, then get sent home for losing their passport. Just bruuutal.
3. “FlashForward” (ABC). Another episode that didn’t advance the plot. And no relevant new information until the final scene. Viewers aren’t complete saps – if this series doesn’t start producing some episodes that provide an answer or two, and soon, they’re going to start bailing. I’m about ready to.
4. “Gossip Girl” (The CW). The very special wedding was a bust. Lily’s inane insecurities ruined the big moment, but all was fine because they agreed to get hitched at home instead. What, and everyone who busted their butt to set up the wedding at the park is OK with doing that for nothing? It was cool to see Sonic Youth play (and Kim Gordon officiate the nuptials), but do these kids have any concert etiquette? You have Sonic freaking Youth performing a live set in your living room, and folks are walking right in front of them, turning their backs, chattering on . . . watch the damn band play and appreciate it!!!
Looking forward to . . .
1. Restaurant Wars on “Top Chef” (10 p.m. Wednesday, Bravo). This is always one of my favorite episodes of any season. My one worry: It’s often the leader of the losing team who gets the boot. And it looks like the leaders are Bryan and Michael on one hand and Jen and Kevin on the other. None of them better get sent packing! Robin’s time is long past due.
2. “Occupation” (7 p.m. Sunday, BBC America). This four-hour miniseries about British soldiers in Iraq is drawing critical praise and comparisons to last year’s brilliant “Generation Kill” on HBO. Looks worth checking out.
3. “The Office” (9 p.m. Thursday, NBC). Remember when Michael was flirting with Pam’s mom at the wedding? Um, guess who he’s dating this week?
4. “30 Rock” (9:30 p.m., NBC). Devin (Will Arnett) is back to challenge Jack and leer at Kenneth. This should be good.
