TV column for Wednesday, May 23

mike — Sat, 19 May 2012 22:32:10 -0700

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE: “American Idol,”
8-10:07 p.m., Fox.

Each year at this time, huge audiences
show up to watch “Idol” name its winner. This time, it's between
Phillip Phillips, 21, who worked in the family pawn shop in
Louisiana, and Jessica Sanchez, 16, from San Diego (her dad is a Navy
man) who says she's been obsessing on music since she was 2.

TV column for Tuesday, May 22

mike — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:05:03 -0700

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE: “American Idol,”
8-9 p.m., Fox.

A promising season stumbled last week,
when the immensely gifted Joshua Ledet was ousted. That leaves the
possibility of a fifth straight white-male winner – Phillip
Phillips, 21.

TV column for Monday, May 21

mike — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:03:16 -0700

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE: “House” finale,
8-10 p.m., Fox.

For eight splendid seasonse, this has
offered medical mysteries and a compelling character.

Dr. Gregory House forever reflects the
pain in his leg and in his soul. He's sharp, acerbic, sometimes
cruel. Still, the writing and Hugh Laurie's perfect performance add
humor and humanity.

TV column for Sunday, May 20

mike — Thu, 17 May 2012 07:38:03 -0700

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE: “Jesse Stone:
Benefit of the Doubt,” 9-11 p.m., CBS.

For a few peaceful moments, this
settles into the Jesse mode. We see soft seaside settings; we hear a
quietly vague conversation. We learn that Jesse has lost his
police-chief job; we assume he's morose.

TV column for Saturday, May 19

mike — Wed, 16 May 2012 07:06:59 -0700

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE: “Saturday Night
Live” season-finale, 11:29 p.m., NBC.

Mick Jagger seems to take his time
between “SNL” hosting gigs. This is his first one in 34 years.

He's also shown up a few times as music
guest; this time, he does it all. In the music moments, he's joined
by Jeff Beck, Arcade Fire and the Foo Fighters.

TONIGHT'S MIGHT-SEE: “Spider-Man 3”
(2007), 8-11 p.m., ABC