On that rare occasion when someone tells you there's nothing good on TV — but honestly, why would you be talking to people like that? — gently point them toward Tuesday nights at 10/9c, a time period that became ridiculously overstuffed this week thanks to some of cable's best and most entertaining dramas. (And let's pause to give thanks to cable replays, for those with limited DVR capability.)
THE TUESDAY LOGJAM: Let's start with FX's Justified, fresh as ever in its third season. Still recovering from last season's wounds, wry U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) may not be up to snuff just yet — as his boss taunts, "You can't run and you can't shoot, what good are you?" — but the show is so assured in its blend of barbed humor and deadly menace that you can always expect at least once per episode to be found laughing on the edge of your seat. Mags Bennett may be gone, and there's no replacing the great Margo Martindale, but icy-eyed Neal McDonough is giving it a robust go...read more
Our top moments of the week:
12. Most Sympathetic Plea: Resident One Tree Hill villain Dan Scott returns to town after his diner and home burn down. Dan tears up when he begs Haley to help him get back on his feet, and we actually feel bad for him for the first time ever. It may have taken nine seasons, but it looks like Dan Scott is finally back in our good graces... for now.
11. Funniest Hunger Strike: In preparation for his wedding, Castle's Ryan goes on a nine-day cleanse with his...read more
168Paid | iTunes
Length: 11:16:16
Aired: 9/18/2009
Guests: Wendell Potter, David Cross, Matthew Continetti, Annette Gordon-Reed, Jeffrey Toobin. This HBO talk show hosted by politically incorrect muse Bill Maher features an opening monologue, 'roundtable' discussions with Maher and a guest forum, segments with other special guests, special taped segments, and Maher's popular 'New Rules' segment. watch