TV column for Thursday, Feb. 9

mike — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:40:15 -0800

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE: “30 Rock,” 8-9
p.m., NBC.

Valentine's Day – filled with mixed
blessings – dominates both episodes.

Liz and Criss (James Marsden) want to
do something romantic – after they buy a dining room table. Tracy
and Frank try to help Lutz get a date; Jack entertains his
mother-in-law (Mary Steenburgen).

Also, Jenna needs help with her
performance segment of “America's Kidz Got Singing.”

TV column for Wednesday, Feb. 8

mike — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:18:13 -0800

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE: “Nature,” 8
p.m., PBS (check local listings).

Mere humans think they can outsmart
raccoons. They don't have a chance against animals that are wise,
resourceful and endlessly adaptable.

TV column for Tuesday, Feb. 7

mike — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:04:44 -0800

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE: “Unforgettable,”
10 p.m., CBS.

Jane Curtin arrives as the new
medical examiner for Queens. It's a great role – clever, quirky,
combative – and well-played; it's also only a sidelight to a strong
story.

Carrie – the cop with the perfect
memory – gets phone calls about serial murders. She's smart, but so
is the killer; this sets up a compelling chase … and maybe some more
strong episodes ahead.

TV column for Monday, Feb. 6

mike — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:39:20 -0800

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE: “Smash” debut,
10 p.m., NBC.

In every way – visually, emotionally,
musically – this stunning hour teeters near perfection.

The fictional tale follows the creation
of a musical about Marilyn Monroe. We see it through the producer,
director, composers and, especially, the actresses who might play
Marilyn.

TV column for Sunday, Feb. 5

mike — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:36:54 -0800

WEEKEND'S MUST-SEE: Super Bowl, 6:25
p.m. kick-off, NBC.

Back in 2008, Eli Manning and the New
York Giants upset Tom Brady and the undefeated New England Patriots,
to win the Super Bowl. Now comes the rematch.

Again, the Patriots (13-3 record in the
regular season) are favored. Again, the Giants (9-7 during the
season) are peaking at the right time. Al Michaels and Chris
Collinsworth call the game.