TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE: “Rubicon” (8
and 9 p.m.) and “Mad Men” (10 p.m.), AMC.
In last week's subtly well-crafted “Mad
Men” season-opener, the new ad agency was wobbling. Don Draper gave
a drab interview that didn't help much; as the hour ended, he tried
another interview, bolder and brasher. Tonight, the company has its
Christmas party; surprises follow.
That's preceded by a show that's even
slower and subtler than “Mad Men.” Rubicon is set in a civilian
agency that probes secrets for the government. James Badge Dale
(Leckie in “The Pacific”) stars, with Miranda Richardson as a
wealthy widow. They probe a grand conspiracy, in a classy-but-slow
show that makes “Mad Men” seem hyper.
TONIGHT'S MIGHT-SEE: “Scoundrels,”
9 p.m., ABC.
Cheryl's search for honest work remains
elusive. Now she's at a shaky insurance company.
Also, she's got more family problems.
One of her twins – both played by Patrick Flueger – may have been
involved with Mrs. Hong's pregnancy.
Other choices include:
– “The Hound of the Baskervilles,”
6:30 p.m., and “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,” 8 p.m.,
Turner Classic Movies. Today launches “Summer Under the Stars,” a
month in which each day focuses on one actor. This one is Basil
Rathbone, including these two 1939 Sherlock mysteries.
– “Big Brother,” 8 p.m., CBS. A
new round begins, with nominations for the fourth eviction.
– “The Simpsons,” 8 p.m., Fox. In
a rerun, Springfield suddenly has surveillance cameras everywhere.
– “America's Got Talent,” 9-11
p.m., NBC. Here's a rerun, with a dozen acts performing. A rerun
Monday will show four moving on; in the next two days, new episodes
will fill out the final 16.
– “Ultimate Air Jaws,” 9 p.m.,
Discovery. The popular “Shark Week” returns today, juggling lots
of reruns – a previous “Air Jaws” documentary is at 8 p.m. –
and some new films. This new one again films the high-leaping
sharks, which are moving closer to the South Africa coast.
– “Leverage,” 9 p.m., TNT. It's
time for fast-and-furious driving, scamming a car-theft ring.
– “The Gates,” 10 p.m., ABC. Life
can be complicated for upscale vampires and such. Now Dylan must
help the sheriff probe a vampire murder; his wife Claire can't escape
her relationship with Christian, who knows her secrets. Meanwhile,
teen Andie can't control her new symptoms.
– “The Good Wife,” 10 p.m., CBS.
As part of a weekend shift – dumping “The Bridge” and moving
“Cold Case” reruns to Saturdays – this Emmy-nominated series
now has reruns on two nights. Tonight, Alicia and Will defend a
lawyer charged with murder. Also, her husband prepares for his new
trial.
– “Design Star,” 10 p.m., HGTV.
Teams try to create the perfect kitchen for a Sears catalog shoot.
– “Holly's World” season-finale,
10:30 p.m., E. In some ways, Holly may be an ideal boss. Earlier, she
bought her assistant an “enhanced” figure; ow she throws her a
giant, 21st birthday party.