TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE: “The Big C”
debut, 10:30 p.m., Showtime.
Cathy is taking this chaotic journey
alone. She has stage-four cancer, but isn't telling anyone.
Instead, she reshapes her life. She
throws out her husband (who wants to stay), befriends her son (who
wants to be ignored), orders an instant swimming pool for her
backyard.
In other hands, this character might be
tiresome. Fortunately, she's played by Laura Linney, the brilliant
actress who already has three Emmys. She brings a splendid blend of
humor and pathos.
TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE II: “Two and a
Half Men” and “The Big Bang Theory,” 9, 9:31 p.m., CBS.
This excellent reruns remind us that
this is the best comedy hour on TV.
On “Men,” Charlie has forgiven Alan
for endless flaws. Now, however, Alan does the unforgivable: He
suggests to Chelsea that she consider breast-reduction surgery.
On “Theory,” we jump back to last
season, with Penny on her second date with the comic-store guy.
That's when we start to learn her feelings about Leonard. Also,
Wolowitz has made a NASA error.
TONIGHT'S ALTERNATIVE: “Lie to Me,”
9 p.m., Fox.
As creator and producer of the intense
“The Shield,” Shawn Ryan helped transform basic-cable.
He went on to regular broadcast jobs,
running “The Unit” and “Lie to Me.” Now he's filled this
episode with gifted “Shield” alumni.
That starts with David Marciano as
someone Lightman and his now-ex-wife helped convict 17 years ago; a
new case raises fresh doubts. Other former “Shield” actors
include Cathy Cahlin Ryan (Shawn's wife) as the guy's former
girlfriend, David Rees Snell as his brother, Catherine Dent and
Benito Martinez as kidnap victims and Kenny Johnson as a
photographer.
These summer episodes are Ryan's last.
He left to focus on a terrific new cable detective series..
Other choices include:
– “Bachelor Pad,” 8-10:01 p.m.,
ABC. Last week, the contestants ousted Michelle – a victim of
Tenley's overwrought rumor and histronics – and Juan. Now ABC
promises (possibly with pride) that we'll see the 17 survivors tackle
a stomach-churning challenge.
– “Huge,” 9 p.m., ABC Family.
Everyone seems to know this is Chloe's birthday; few know that it's
also Alistair's … and that they are twins. This episode – leading
into next week's season-finale – is short on humor and long on
bittersweet moments for Alistair, Amber and Dr. Rand.
– “Weeds” season-opener, 10 p.m.,
Showtime. As last season ended, sweet-faced Shane walloped cruel
Pilar with a croquet mallet. She plunged dead into a swimming pool,
while his mother Nancy stared in disbelief. Tonight, Nancy must
retreat with her sons, bringing the cowardly Andy along. There's a
lot at stake here, but Shane's calm attitude offers counterpoint
humor.
– “Hardcore Pawn” debut, 10 and
10:30 p.m., Tru TV. Sprawling across 10,000 square feet, a Detroit
pawn shop has 45,000 items. Within tonight's first half-hour, the
owners consider a boat, a home-made cannon, a horse, two ponies, a
donkey and a stripper pole. The result is only moderately
interesting.
– “Dating in the Dark,” 10:01
p.m., ABC. Usually, contestants are fairly happy when the lights go
on; tonight, someone might be delighted: One of the contestants is
Summer Altice, a Playboy Playmate.