Tonight's TV Hot List: Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Top Chef
9/8c Bravo
In a heatedly divided Washington, D.C., our culinary power players have rocked the vote. Thus far, Season 7 has tasked the chefs to whip up kid fare, a classic picnic, hotel room service and cold entrées, and they also got crabby picking through an Eastern Shore delicacy — the blue crab. Now the focus turns to bite-size fare that one can spear with a toothpick. Later, in the elimination challenge, the culinarians craft a power lunch at an upscale eatery. The council of taste testers includes chef Art Smith; politicos Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.); pundit Joe Scarborough; and journalists Mika Brzezinski and Savannah Guthrie. — Dean Maurer
Plain Jane
9/8c CW
Fashion writer and stylist Louise Roe plays fairy godmother to so-called plain Janes in this makeover reality series. Each week, Roe helps wallflowers blossom by not only updating their drab wardrobes and hairstyles, but by coaching them in the fine art of communication so they can go on a date with the person they secretly admire and express their true feelings. In this sweet opener, Cristen, a 24-year-old tomboy, is transformed and goes on a date with a friend she's had a crush on for six years to tell him she wants to be more than his best buddy. — Tim Holland
Psych
10/9c USA
Shawn and Gus prepare for a close encounter this week when a lawyer comes to them for help finding his assistant, whom he thinks has been abducted by aliens. Anxious to crack the case, the duo decide to call in an old friend (guest star Freddie Prinze Jr.) for assistance since he shares an interest in all-things extraterrestrial — a fact he hides from his smoking-hot wife. — Brie Hearn
In Performance at the White House
8/7c PBS
Since "Love Me Do" in 1962, music fans around the world have listened to what this man said — or, more to the point, sung. Former Beatle Paul McCartney receives the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song at this White House concert hosted by President and Michelle Obama. Performers include Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, the Jonas Brothers, Elvis Costello and, of course, McCartney himself. — Jeff Gemmill
MLS Soccer All-Star Game
8:30/7:30c ESPN2
Mighty Manchester United caps off its preseason fortnight in North America with an intriguing matchup against the best of Major League Soccer, from Reliant Stadium in Houston. While none of United's distinctive red jerseys (which have dropped AIG for AON) read "Rooney" on the back, Sir Alex Ferguson's squad is more than capably stocked with talent both young (Danny Welbeck, Gabriel Obertan) and old (Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes). MLS is spearheaded by four members of the first-place Los Angeles Galaxy in U.S. World Cuppers Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle; defender Omar Gonzalez; and goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts. — Roger Leister
Real World
10/9c MTV
So far this season has been totally watchable, with a (mostly) likable cast and a vibrant New Orleans as the backdrop for all the crazy drama. Last week, the roommates celebrated the Saints' Super Bowl win with the rest of the city, but tonight the party is over for some. McKenzie finally addresses her drinking issues, and Jemmye must choose between her flourishing romance with Knight and her boyfriend back home. In addition, a dark secret from Jemmye's past is revealed, leaving her new friends unsettled. — Karen Andzejewicz
The Middle
8/7c ABC
In the midst of a full-fledged career resurgence at age 88, Betty White followed up her wildly successful appearance on Saturday Night Live with a guest-star turn in the Season 1 finale, from May, as a school librarian holding a grudge against Brick for 31 unreturned books. Her actions may impact Brick's move to the third grade next school year. In other academic news, an aptitude test shows Axl to be gifted, and Frankie works to get Sue recognized in her classes. — Fred Mitchell