‘Big Love’ finale is near, fourth season in the works
HBO’s critically acclaimed drama “Big Love” is about to end its third season — March 22 is the finale — but a fourth has been ordered and is scheduled to debut in 2010.
“Big Love” tells the story of one man (Salt Lake native Bill Henrickson played by Bill Paxton), who balances the needs of his three wives (Barb, Nicki and Margene), their eight children, three houses and his home imrpovement stores.
Two actresses from Tulsa star in the series. Jeanne Tripplehorn plays Barb while Mary Kay Place plays Nicki’s mom, Adaleen Grant. Nicki is played by Chloe Sevigny while Ginnifer Goodwin plays Margene.
To date, “Big Love” is averaging nearly 5 million viewers per episode.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: HBO Photo featuring “Big Love” cast members, from left, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Bill Paxton and Chloe Sevigny.
Happy Birthday, Rae Dawn Chong
Feb. 28, 2009 –Rae Dawn Chong, who played Dr. Peggy Fowler on “Mysterious Ways” (2000-02 on NBC), turns 48 today.
She will play Vivian in upcoming film “Cyrus” (now filming).
Her first acting role was as Greta on the TV series “Disneyland” (two episodes in 1974). She was 13.
Best wishes to Rae Dawn and everybody who shares this special day with her.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Rae Dawn Chong as Peggy Fowler and Adrian Pasdar as Declan Dunn in NBC’s “Mysterious Ways.” (SHNS photo courtesy PAX).
Viewers needed to free woman trapped in ‘Dollhouse’ online
Eliza Dushku is holding her own on “Dollhouse,” the new Fox series airing at 8:01 p.m. Fridays.
She plays Echo, who comes and goes from the mysterious Dollhouse but is imprinted with a new personality each time.
But fans of the show are needed to help Hazel get out of a locked laboratory in the new online participation drama “Dollplay.”
The game was launched Feb. 13, the day that “Dollhouse” premiered. And fans have just two more weeks to help solve the “Dollplay” mystery that is available at online at www.fox.com/dollhouse.
In “Dollplay,” a young woman named Hazel Rose is trapped in a mobile laboratory, and players online are the only ones who can help escape and find out more about her mother, a researcher somehow connected to the Dollhouse.
Through Hazel’s video blog of real-time captivity, fans are asked to post clips, view other fan video responses and offer Hazel advice. In return, Hazel will respond to the audience, challenging them to help her uncover clues and discover secrets about the Dollhouse’s early days.
–Penny TV
Top 20 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing March 1-8, 2009
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
And here are 20 celebrities making special TV appearances the week of March 1.
If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
GUEST STARS
••Curtis Armstrong (“Van Wilder”) on “My Name Is Earl,” 7 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Leigh-Allyn Baker (“Will & Grace”) on “Hannah Montana,” 6:30 p.m. Sunday on Disney.
••Sean Combs (“A Raisin in the Sun”) on “CSI: Miami,” 9 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Frances Conroy (“Six Feet Under”) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7:30 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Blythe Danner (“Huff”) on “Medium,” 9 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••Rocco DiSpirito (“The Restaurant”) on “The Biggest Loser,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on NBC.
••Clea Duvall (“Carnivale”) on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on NBC.
••Erik Estrada (“CHiPs”) on “Life,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
••Mariel Hemingway (“Manhattan”) on “Eleventh Hour,” 9:01 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Wyclef Jean (Grammy-winning musican) on “The Electric Company,” 4 p.m. Friday on PBS.
••Anthony LaPaglia (“Without a Trace”) on “CSI: Crine Scene Investigation,” 7 p.m. Saturday on CBS.
••John Lithgow (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) on “30 Rock,” 8:31 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••William Mapother (“Lost”) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Nelly (“The Longest Yard”) on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Bob Odenkirk (“The Larry Sanders Show”) on “Rules of Engagement,” 8:30 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••William Petersen (“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) on “Without a Trace,” 8 p.m. Saturday on CBS.
••Christina Ricci (“Monster”) on “Saving Grace,” 9 p.m. Monday on TNT.
••Maya Rudolph (“Saturday Night Live”) on “Kath & Kim,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Taylor Swift (“Hannah Montana: The Movie”) on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” 8 p.m. Thursday on CBS (pictured in CBS Photo above).
••Jack Wagner (“The Bold and the Beautiful”) on “The Price Is Right,” 10 a.m. Friday on CBS.
••Kate Walsh (“Private Practice”) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Steve Weber (“Brothers & Sisters”) on “Without a Trace,” 9:01 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••U2 (Grammy-winning rock band) on “Late Show With David Letterman,” 10:35 p.m. Monday through Friday on CBS.
NOTE: All broadcast times are for Oklahoma (CST).
19 TV Premieres and Finales airing March 1-7, 2009
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of March 1.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
BEGINNINGS
••“Running in Heels,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Style Network (series premiere).
••“The Celebrity Apprentice,” 8 p.m. Sunday on NBC (second-season premiere).
••“High Stakes Poker,” 8 p.m. Sunday on GSN (fifth-season premiere).
••“The Haney Project,” 8 p.m. Monday on Golf Channel (series premiere).
••“Rules of Engagement,” 8:30 p.m. Monday on CBS (third-season premiere).
••“The Ax Men,” 9 p.m. Monday on History (second-season premiere).
••“Saving Grace,” 9 p.m. Monday on TNT (second season resumes)(TNT Photo featuring Holly Hunter in “Saving Grace”)
••“Late Night With Jimmy Fallon,” 11:37 p.m. Monday on NBC (debut for new host).
••“Reaper,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CW (second-season premiere).
••“America’s Next Top Model,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CW (12th-season premiere).
••“Kitchen Impossible,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on DIY (series premiere).
••“Make Me a Supermodel,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (second-season premiere).
••“Mantracker,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Science Channel (series premiere).
••“Ashes to Ashes,” 8 p.m. Saturday on BBC America (series premiere).
••“The Essentials,” 7 p.m. Saturday on TCM (ninth-season premiere).
ENDINGS
••“The Bachelor,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC (13th-season finale).
••“Burn Notice,” 9 p.m. Thursday on USA Network (second-season finale).
••“Gone Country,” 7 p.m. Saturday on CMT (third-season finale).
••“Wonderland,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on DirecTV’s 101 Network (series finale).
NOTE: All broadcast times are for Oklahoma (CST).
Happy Birthday, Howard Hesseman
Feb. 27, 2009 –George Howard Hesseman, who played Johnny “Dr. Fever” Caravella on “WKRP in Cincinnati” (1978-82 on CBS), turns 69 today.
He will play Big Oil in the upcoming film “Dirty Politics.”
His first acting role was as Counterboy on the TV series “The Andy Griffith Show” (two episodes in 1968). He was 28.
Best wishes to Howard and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
‘America’s Most Wanted’ needs help finding hero
Normally, “America’s Most Wanted” asks for help finding criminals. For the next few months, however, the crime-fighting show needs help identifying heroes.
From now until April 4, nominations for the 2009 America’s Most Wanted All-Star will be accepted at www.amw.com. Simply fill out a short online form naming a first-responder and explain what makes this person an All-Star.
This is a good way to give special recognition to the police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other first-responders who dedicate themselves to protecting the public.
And the public will pick the most deserving first responder to receive the title of 2009 America’s Most Wanted All-Star.
Voting for the finalists begins April 16 on www.amw.com. In May, “America’s Most Wanted” host John Walsh will present the winner with a check for $10,000 at the NASCAR SPRINT Cup Series All-Star Challenge at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, NC.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for March 1-7, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of March 1:
SUNDAY, MARCH 1
◊“The Celebrity Apprentice” (8 p.m. on NBC): The lineup for the second celebrity edition of Donald Trump’s competitive reality series includes comedian Andrew Dice Clay, singers Brian McKnight and Clint Black, actress-model Claudia Jordan, red-carpet denizens Joan and Melissa Rivers, socialite Khloe Kardashian and former pro sports stars Herschel Walker and Dennis Rodman (he attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant).
◊“The Golden Girls” (7:30 a.m. on Hallmark Channel): The Emmy-winning series starring Bea Arthur, Betty White, Estelle Getty and Rue McClanahan (she was born in Healdton) joins the network’s lineup. And it kicks off with this 18-hour marathon. Beginning Monday, the show will air weekdays at 8 a.m., 3 p.m. and 11 p.m., Saturdays at 5 a.m. and Sundays at 7:30 a.m.
◊“High Stakes Poker” (8 p.m. on GSN): Season 5 of television’s richest cash game show in history will feature a minimum cash buy-in of $200,000. AJ Benza (“E! Mysteries & Scandals”) and Gabe Kaplan (“Welcome Back Kotter”) return as host and analyst, respectively. Among the world’s top professional, online and recreational players competing are Doyle Brunson, Phil Laak and Tom Dwan and Sam Simon.
◊“Jesse Stone: Thin Ice” (8 p.m. on CBS): Tom Selleck (“Magnum, P.I.”) reprises his role as Jesse Stone in the fifth installment of the mystery movie franchise based on the best-selling series of books by Robert B. Parker. In this new mystery, Paradise, Mass. Police chief Jesse Stone finds himself in trouble with the Town Council when he inadvertently becomes involved in a shoot-out on a Boston street.
◊“Running in Heels” (7 p.m. on Style Network): This new docu-series reveals what life is really like at the top and the bottom of a major fashion magazine.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Psychology Department and include 1952’s “Limelight” (6 a.m.), 1958’s “Vertigo” (2:15 p.m.) and 1957’s “The Three Faces of Eve” (7 p.m.).
MONDAY, MARCH 2
◊“The Ax Men” (9 p.m. on History): The first-ever non-fiction series about the treacherous life of Pacific Northwest timber cutters is back for a second season. Going deeper into the forest, high into the sky and even down into the sea, the new season follows two leading teams from last season along with three new companies, all racing to fall the most timber during logging’s most dangerous season.
◊“The Bachelor” (7 p.m. on ABC): Jason Mesnick, the first single dad in “Bachelor” history, will offer his last rose to one of the final two women he selected. The season finale will be followed by the hourlong special “The Bachelor: After the Finale Rose, Part 2” that includes updates on the couple and the woman Jason didn’t choose.
◊“BNP Paribas Showdown for the Billie Jean King Cup” (6:30 p.m. on HBO): Tennis broadcasters Mary Carillo, Billie Jean King and John McEnroe will team up for live coverage of the inaugural event that pits four of the world’s top female tennis players – 2009 Australian Open Champion Serena Williams, 2008 Grand Slam champions Venus Williams and Ana Ivanovic, and 2008 year-end World No. 1 Jelena Jankovic – against each other in a one-night-only single elimination competition. The prize pool is $1.2 million.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): When pirates take over a luxury yacht, Delko’s future as a CSI is threatened just as his relationship with Calleigh moves to the next level. Sean Combs (“A Raisin In the Sun”) guest stars as Defense Attorney Derek Powell.
◊“Forgotten Ellis Island” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This is the first film produced about the abandoned immigarnt hospital on Ellis Island, the largest port of entry in the United States. In an era before antiboitics, tens of thousands of immigrant patients were separated from family, detained in the hospital and healed from illness before becoming citizens.
◊“The Haney Project” (8 p.m. on Golf Channel): In the first installment of this new real-life series, golf instructor Hank Haney will attempt to fix the swing of NBA Hall-of-Famer Charles Barkley. The series will also visit some of the best golf courses around the country and feature golf tips for people who play the game.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When the gang suspects that Barney has a girlfriend after he mysteriously leaves MacLaren’s, they decide to follow him. Frances Conroy (“Six Feet Under”) guest stars as Barney’s mother.
◊“Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” (11:37 p.m. on NBC): “Saturday Night Live” alum Jimmy Fallon takes over the reins as “Late Night” host. He is the third host of “Late Night” since its inception in 1982 with then-host David Letterman. Fallon’s “Late Night” will depart from Letterman and O’Brien’s Studio 6A and cross the hall to Studio 6B in NBC’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza headquarters in New York.
◊“Late Show With David Letterman” (10:35 p.m. on CBS): U2, the Grammy-winning rock band from Ireland, will perform an unprecedented five nights in a row on the show. On Tuesday’ the band will release its 12th album, “No Line on the Horizon.”
◊“Masters of Illusion” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): This new episode features the magic illusions of Tony Clark (“Bottle Thru Man” illision), David Williamson (“Needles”), Jeff McBride (“Rain Catching Bowls”), Nathan Burton (“Microwave of Death”) and Mark Cannon (“Handcuff Spikes Escape”).
“Medium” (9 p.m. on NBC): Devalos asks Allison to help his friends find their daughter, who seems to have left town with no explanation. Blythe Danner (“Huff”) guest stars.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): In the Season 3 premiere, Audrey discovers that Russell is a closeted fan of Broadway musicals, a fact she promises to keep secret in exchange for free theater tickets. Meanwhile, Adam and Jennifer take dancing lessons in preparation for their wedding. Bob Odenkirk (“The Larry Sanders Show”) guest stars.
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): Season 2 resumes with new episodes starring Holly Hunter as Oklahoma City police detective Grace Hanadarko. Guest star Christina Ricci (“Monster”) begins a three-episode arc as Abby Charles, a uniform cop and single mother making a rotation through the squad.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Journalism Department and include 1940’s “Foreign Correspondent” (7:15 a.m.), 1931’s “The Front Page” (1 p.m.) and 1940’s “The Philadelphia Story” (8:30 p.m.).
TUESDAY, MARCH 3
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): Celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito returns to take the contestants to a restaurant, where he teaches them how to make healthier choices when eating out.
◊“First Lady of Jamaica” (9 p.m. on WEtv, 128 on Dish Network, 260 on DirecTV): Journalist Daborah Roberts gets a VIP tour of the Caribbean island from Lorna Golding, the Jamaican Prime Minister’s wife.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Mia Lorimer (Clea Duvall, “Carnivale”) claims to have been raped in an attempt to hide neing abused by her husband. Their tennants are aware of the abuse, but in fear of being evicted, do not report it.
◊“Reaper” (7 p.m. on CW): Season two finds Sam wrestling with the recent discovery that he may be the son of the Devil. But Sam quickly learns that getting groomed to take over the “family business” comes with a whole new litany of headaches.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Geography Department and include 1962’s “Mutiny on the Bounty” (9 a.m.), 1949’s “Tulsa” (3 p.m.), 1955’s “Oklahoma!” (4:30 p.m.) and 1937’s “The Hurricane” (9:15 p.m.).
◊“Unconquered: Allan Houser and the Legacy of One Apache Family” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Released in 1913 as prisoners of war, Sam and Blossom Haozous passed down oral traditions of the Apache people to their son, Allan Houser. These shared memories molded his artwork and helped him become one of the 20th century’s most important artists. Houser passed thee same experienced down to his sons who are fulfilling their destinies as the next generation of American Indian artists.
◊“Without a Trace” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): The team investigates when the teenage son of a Secret Service agent disappears and discovers a long festering secret that set in motion a deadly chain of events. Guest star Steven Weber (“Brothers & Sisters”) returns as Clark Medina, the new head of the Missing Persons Squad.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Kansas State in men’s college basketball action airing live at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4
◊“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW, 10 p.m. on KOCB-34): Thirty-four finalists travel to Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas where they take part in the first photo shoot for Season 12. Host Tyra Banks picks the final 13 contestants who will move to a New York City loft and compete for title of “America’s Next Top Model.”
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): A serial killer who disguises his victims’ demise by creating car accidents to mask their earlier deaths is the subject of a Behavioral Analysis Unit manhunt. William Mapother (“Lost”) and Wil Wheaton (“Numb3rs”) guest star.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): On Mac’s flight to D.C., an air marshal is found murdered shortly after take off. Mac is certain the killer is on board and searches for the murder weapon. Recording artist Nelly (“The Longest Yard”) guest stars.
◊“Kitchen Impossible” (8 p.m. on DIY, channel 111 on Dish Network, 171 on Cox Digital Cable, 230 on DirecTV): Dated kitchens are transformed into modern spaces in this new series hosted by Marc Bartolomeo, a carpenter and electrician. He helps homeowners get the job done right while demonstrating to viewers all the tips and tools needed for building the kitchen of their dreams.
◊“Life” (8 p.m. on NBC): A woman is found in a pool of blood sitting at a rable with a romantic dinner set for two. The investigation leads Crews and Reese to a support group for lottery winners full of eccentric characters. Erik Estrada (“CHiPs”) guest stars.
◊“Make Me a Supermodel” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Supermodel Tyson Beckford returns as host for Season 2 of the series that follows 16 models as they compete for a contract with New York Model Management, a fashion pictorial in Cosmopolitan magazine and a $100,000 cash prize. Australian supermodel Nicole Trunfio joins the show as mentor to the female models.
◊“Mantracker” (9 p.m. on Science Channel, 101 on Cox Digital Cable, 193 on Dish Network, 284 on DirecTV): This new series will introduce viewers to two weekend warriors each week. The challengers have 36 hours to reach a destination more than 22 miles away. Not only do they have to contend with the rugged terrain, but they must also outwit the “Mantracker,” who is using a horse to capture them before they reach the finish line.
◊“Tulsa Deco” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Film historian Jack Frank takes a tour of Tulsa’s art deco buildings that root in the 1920s oil boom as the city’s way of showing off its wealth. The special includes visits to Christ the King church, Will Rogers High School, the Fairgrounds Pavilion and J. Paul Getty’s “bunker” house near Sheridan and Virgin streets.
◊“Wonderland” (9 p.m. on DirecTV’s 101 Network): In the short-lived ABC show’s never-before-seen series finale, appropriately titled “Hello Goodbye,” Banger and Neil use truth serum on a murderer who wants to be deemed unfit to stand trial.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Missouri in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on KOCB-34.
THURSDAY, MARCH 5
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): Liz befriends a pregnant teenaged donut shop employee in an attempt to adopt her baby. John Lithgow (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) guest stars.
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): This special “Wild Card” episode features the judges’ favorite remaining contestants. Each will perform, and then the judges will select the final three contestants who will round out the Top 12.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Nick pieces together three separate cases that occurred at the same motel during the course of one year. Musical recording artist Taylor Swift (“Hannah Montana: The Movie”) guest stars as Haley Jones, a teenaged girl whose family runs the seedy Vegas motel.
◊“Eleventh Hour” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): Dr. Hood must root iut the source of a poison cluster that claims victims all over Philadelphia. Mariel Hemingway (“Manhattan”) guest stars as a mither exposed to the toxins.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Addison (guest star Kate Walsh, “Private Practice”) returns to Seattle Grace to perform groundbreaking surgery. She is taken aback by all of the changes in her old co-workers’ lives.
◊“Kath & Kim” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Kath and Phil get ready for their bachelor and bachelorette parties. Before going out on the town, Athena (Maya Rudolph, “Saturday Night Live”) gives Kath, Kim and Tina some of her special tea which leads to an interesting night.
◊“My Name Is Earl” (7 p.m. on NBC): Earl reminisces about the fun he and Randy had when they got to go to Chaz Dalton’s Space Academy as children. But when Earl decides to visit Chaz (Curtis Armstrong, “Van Wilder”), he soon realizes that his childhood hero is not what he remembers.
◊“Private Practice” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): Addison and Charlotte work together to save the lives of a pregnant woman in a coma and her unborn child.
◊“Stateline: Television Pioneers, Part 2” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment of OETA’s award-winning documentaru series takes viewers back to a time before cable, when color television was a luxury and only a lucky few owned a remote. Stations in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Ada and Lawton filled the broadcast day with programs like “The Bud Wilkinson Show,” “Wallace Wildlife,” and “Lewis Meyer’s Bookshelf.” Teens tuned in to “Dance Party and “The Scene,” while late night viewers looking for a thrill stayed up for “Shock Theater” and “Mazeppa Pompazoidi’s Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting.”
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Texas A&M in women’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on Fox Sports Oklahoma (FSOK).
FRIDAY, MARCH 6
◊“20/20: Siegfried & Roy: The Magic Returns” (8 p.m. on ABC): Elizabeth Vargas anchors this special edition that will feature exclusive interviews with Siegfried & Roy at their home in Las Vegas, highlights from the duo’s career and reports on Roy Horn’s recovery from the tiger attack in 2003. It also includes clips from the entertainers’ farewell performance on Feb. 28 at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
◊“Bret Michaels: The True Hollywood Story” (8 p.m. on E!): This all-access pass to the Poison frontman’s life story reveals his rise from rat-infested Hollywood apartments to stadiums packed with screaming fans. It includes rare performance video of Poison’s earliest incarnation called “Paris,” and never-before-seen photos and home video from Michaels’ childhood.
◊“The Electric Company” (4 p.m. on OETA-13): Grammy-winning musician Wyclef Jean guest stars in the new episode titled “Curricular Goals,” in which Jessica is set to face Danny in a chess tournament.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7
◊“Ashes to Ashes” (8 p.m. on BBC America): This sequel to the hit British series “Life on Mars’ focuses on Detective Inspector Alex Drake, who is shot and lands in 1981. She comes face-to-face with Detective Chied Inspector Gene Hunt, the relic of old-fashioned policing she read about in Sam Tyler’s reports. Alex thinks she is in a coma and needs Hunt’s help to go after Layton, the man who shot her in 2008.
◊“Bound by a Secret” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Meredith Baxter (“Family Ties”) and Lesley Ann Warren (“In Plain Sight”) star as two old friends who share a life-long secret are forced to face the truth – and its consequences – when one is diagnosed with a terminal illness and wants to put all her affairs in order.
◊“The Essentials” (7 p.m. on TCM): Emmy winner Alec Baldwin (“30 Rock”) joins TCM host Robert Osborne for a new season of this weekly movie showcase. They will introduce “essential” classic films that everyone should see, beginning with 1935’s “A Night at the Opera.”
◊“Last Chance” (10 p.m. on weTV, channel 128 on Dish Network, 260 on DirecTV): Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”) is writer, director and star of this film about a woman in a small town who’s been stripped of all aspirations. Cranston wrote the movie as a Valentine for his wife, Robin Dearden, who stars as the lead character.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Oklahoma State in men’s college basketball action airing live at 2:30 p.m. on ABC.
–Penny TV
Oklahoma’s 2009 Gracie Allen Award winners: Dr. Phil, Bob Dotson
Two media men with Oklahoma connections will receive Gracie Allen Awards from The Foundation of American Women in Radio and Television.
Dr. Phil McGraw, who was born in Vinita, and Bob Dotson, director of special projects for WKY-TV (now KFOR) from 1969-75, are among the 54 national winners who were announced Tuesday (Feb. 24). “The Dr. Phil Show” was named outstanding interactive web site for the second consecutive year, while the “Today” show segment “American Story with Bob Dotson” won outstanding hard news program for its feature titled “Section 60.”
The 34th Annual Gracie Awards, presented to recognize and encourage positive and realistic portrayals of women in entertainment, commercials, news, features and other 
programs, will be formally bestowed at a black-tie Manhattan gala on June 3.
One of the judge’s comments on Dotson’s winning entry was this: “Bob Dotson has made an effort — all of his career — to look behind the media mirror that reflects the powerful and find tales of women who are practically invisible, the ones who quietly change our lives, but don’t send out press releases.”
“Section 60″ tells the story of mothers who gather at Arlington National Cemetery to watch over their sons and daughters who died fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. The piece, a little over four minutes long, originally aired on NBC on Veteran’s Day 2008. It can be viewed online at www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27578185/.
Local market, public and student winners of 2009 Gracie Awards will be announced later this week. So there could be more recipients from Oklahoma.
Last year’s winners with state ties numbered six. “Saving Grace” creator Nancy Miller from Oklahoma City was named outstanding producer of an entertainment series, while “Saving Grace” star Holly Hunter, who plays an Oklahoma City police detective, was outstanding female lead in a drama series.
“Pushing Daisies,” the ABC series starring Lee Pace (born in Chickasha) and Kristin Chenoweth (born in Broken Arrow) won for outstanding comedy. “The Dr. Phil Show” won its first web site award. And KFOR in Oklahoma City collected awards for outstanding hard news feature (“Jane Jayroe’s Battle”) and outstanding soft news feature (“The Paris Twins”).
–Penny TV
Here is a list of national winners for The 34th Annual Gracie Awards (for a list of past winners, as well as tickets to this year’s gala, go to www.TheGracies.org).
••Alexandra Wallace, Outstanding Producer – News Series or Special (NBC News)
••All My Children, Outstanding Daytime Drama (ABC)
••America’s Dirty Little Secret, Outstanding Investigative Program (CNN)
••Barbara Walters, Outstanding Host – Information or Entertainment (Sirius/XM Radio)
••Brian Ross Investigates: Raped in Iraq, Outstanding Investigative Program (ABC News)
••Candy Crowley Reports on Hillary Clinton’s Bid for the White House, Outstanding Feature – Hard News Program (CNN)
••Child Soldiers, D.R. Congo, Outstanding Documentary – Short Format (NBC News)
••China’s Devastating Quake, Outstanding Series (CBS News)
••CNN Heroes 2008, Outstanding Special (CNN)
••CNN Presents: Sarah Palin Revealed, Outstanding Documentary – Mid-Length Format (CNN)
••Corny Koehl, Outstanding Producer – Entertainment Series (Harpo Radio)
••Debbi Morgan in All My Children, Outstanding Female Lead – Daytime Drama (ABC)
••Designing Women – Alba Colon, Outstanding Feature – Soft News Program (ESPN)
••Dianne Wiest in In Treatment, Outstanding Supporting Actress – Drama Series (HBO)
••Dr. Maya Angelou Show, Outstanding Talk Show (Harpo Radio)
••Dr. Phil, Outstanding Interactive Web site (The Dr. Phil Show)
••E! True Hollywood Story: Mariska Hargitay, Outstanding Portrait/Biography (E!)
••Every Woman Counts Campaign, Outstanding Public Service Announcement – Campaign (Lifetime Television)
••Half of Us — Cutters, Outstanding Public Service Announcement – Single Entry (MTV On-Air Promos)
••Healthcare ’08: Search for Solutions, Outstanding Public Affairs Program (Retirement Living TV)
••High School Confidential, Outstanding Reality Show (WEtv)
••I Am American Business, Outstanding Commercial – Campaign (CNBC)
••Kathy Griffin in My Life on the D List, Outstanding Female Lead – Comedy Series (Bravo)
••Katie Couric, Outstanding Anchor News or News Magazine (CBS News)
••Lady Mechanics, Outstanding Feature – Soft News (World Vision Report)
••Laura Linney in John Adams, Outstanding Female Lead – Drama Special (HBO)
••Live in Concert, Outstanding Special (Pineapple Producations)
••Maria Hinojosa, Outstanding Reporter/Correspondent (NOW on PBS)
••Mariska Hargitay in Law & Order: SVU, Outstanding Female Lead – Drama Series (NBC)
••Mighty Macs, Outstanding Sports Program (ESPN)
••Miley Cyrus, Outstanding Female Lead – Comedy Series, Children/Adolescent (Disney Channel)
••Molly Solomon, Outstanding Producer – Entertainment Series or Special (NBC Sports)
••Muslim Polygamy in America, Outstanding Series (National Public Radio)
••Picking Up the Pieces, Outstanding Documentary – Mid-Length Format (AARP – Primetime Radio)
••Polygamy: A World Apart – Segments: Escape & the Reunion, Outstanding Magazine (CBS News)
••President Musharraf, Outstanding Interview Program (CBS News)
••Rachel Maddow, Outstanding Host – News Program (MSNBC)
••Ramona & the Unruly Dog, Outstanding Comedy (Greater Media)
••Ruby, Outstanding Reality Show (Style Network)
••Samantha Who?, Outstanding Comedy (ABC)
••Section 60, Outstanding Feature — Hard News Program (NBC News)
••Sharon Liese, Outstanding Director – News Series or Special (WEtv)
••Susanna White, Outstanding Director – Entertainment Series or Special (HBO)
••Suze Orman in The Suze Orman Show, Outstanding Host – Information or Entertainment (CNBC)
••The Bonnie Hunt Show, Outstanding Talk Show (Telepictures)
••The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo, Outstanding Documentary – Long Format (HBO)
••The Satellite Sisters, Outstanding Podcast (Satellite Sisters/Mudbath Productions)
••The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Outstanding Drama (ABC Family)
••Till Fear Do Us Part, Outstanding Public Affairs Program (Voice of Our World)
••Traylor Howard in Monk, Outstanding Supporting Actress – Comedy Series (USA Network)
••True Jackson, VP, Outstanding For Adolescent Program (Nickelodeon)
••Unsung . . . Family Voices on Mental Illness, Outstanding Public Service Announcement – Campaign (Mennonite Media)
••Who Cares About Girls: Sex Workers or Victims (Outstanding Documentary – Mid-Length Format (Oxygen)
••WordGirl, Outstanding For Children Program (Scholastic Media)
Top 60 Talk Show Guests on TV (Feb. 26-March 4, 2009)
Wednesday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the guests (and all the topics) coming up on TV talk shows.
Here are 60 of the best guests appearing on talk shows airing Thursday through Wednesday (Feb. 26-March 4, 2009). For a practically complete list, go to www.newsok.com/tv and click on Talk Shows (located under Resources).
But just like everything else on TV, talk show lineups are subject to change.
BEST GUESTS
••Malin Akerman (“Watchmen”), March 2 on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”
••Gabrielle Anwar (“Burn Notice”), March 2 on “Today”
••David Arquette (“Nosebleed”), Feb. 27 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Charles Barkley (“The Haney Project”), March 2 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Tyson Beckford (“Make Me a Supermodel”), March 3 on “Today”
••Russell Brand (“Forgetting Sarah Marshall”), March 4 on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”
••Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”), March 4 on “Today”
••Billy Crudup (“Watchmen”), March 4 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”)
••Kristin Davis (“Couples Retreat”), March 3 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Ruby Dee (“America”), Feb. 27 on “The Tyra Banks Show”
••Robert De Niro (“Righteous Kill”), March 2 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Cameron Diaz (“My Sister’s Keeper”), March 4 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Fran Drescher (“The Nanny”), Feb. 26 on “The Doctors”
••Clint Eastwood (“Gran Torino”), Feb. 27 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Jimmy Fallon (“Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”), Feb. 27 on “Today” and “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”
••Tina Fey (“30 Rock”), March 3 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Nathan Fillion (“Castle”), March 4 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Calista Flockhart (“Brothers & Sisters”), Feb. 26 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Jeff Foxworthy (“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?”), Feb. 26 on “Today”
••Charles Gibson (“ABC World News with Charles Gibson”), March 3 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Mel Gibson (“Edge of Darkness”), Feb. 27 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Carla Gugino (“Watchmen”), March 4 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”), March 2 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Kevin Hart (“Extreme Movie”), Feb. 26 on “Last Call With Carson Daly”
••Paris Hilton (“Paris Hilton’s British Best Friend”), March 2 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Oliver Hudson (“Rules of Engagement”), Feb. 27 on “The Bonnie Hunt Show”
••Felicity Huffman (“Desperate Housewives”), March 3 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Bonnie Hunt (“The Bonnie Hunt Show”), March 4 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••The Jonas Brothers (“Camp Rock”), Feb. 26 on “The Early Show”
••Chef Emeril Lagasse (“Emeril”), Feb. 27 on “Good Morning America”
••Larry the Cable Guy (“Witless Protection”), March 2 on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”
••Hugh Laurie (“House”), Feb. 27 on “Late Night With Conan O’Brien”
••Mario López (“EXTRA”), Feb. 26 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Rob Lowe (“Brothers & Sisters”), Feb. 26 on “Good Morning America”; Feb. 27 on “The View”
••Rachel Maddow (“The Rachel Maddow Show”), March 3 on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”
••Eric McCormack (“Trust Me”), March 4 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Dr. Phil McGraw (“The Dr. Phil Show”), March 4 on “The View” and “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Jason Mesnick (“The Bachelor”), Feb. 27 on “The View”; March 2 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Bob Newhart (“The Librarian: The Curse of the Judas Chalice”), March 3 on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”
••Cynthia Nixon (“Distracted”), March 3 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Rosie O’Donnell (“America“)(pictured in AP Photo above), Feb. 26 on “Good Morning America” and “The Tyra Banks Show”; Feb. 27 on “The Bonnie Hunt Show,” “The Tyra Banks Show” and “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••T. Boone Pickens (Oklahoma businessman in “Flow: For Love of Water”), March 2 on “The View”
••Joaquin Phoenix (“Reservation Road”), Feb. 26 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Aishwarya Rai (“The Pink Panther 2”), Feb. 26 on “The Tyra Banks Show”
••Chef Gordon Ramsay (“Hell’s Kitchen”), March 4 on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”
••Caroline Rhea (“Sordid Lives: The Series”), March 4 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”)
••Joan Rivers (“The Celebrity Apprentice”), Feb. 26 on “Rachael Ray”
••Craig Robinson (“Zack and Miri Make a Porno”), Feb. 28 on “Talkshow With Spike Feresten”
••Paul Rudd (“Role Models”), Feb. 26 on “Late Night With Conan O’Brien”
••RuPaul (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”), March 4 on “The View”
••Tom Selleck (“Jesse Stone: Thin Ice”), Feb. 26 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”; Feb. 27 on “Live With Regis and Kelly” and “Rachael Ray”
••Jane Seymour (“Open Hearts” author), Feb. 26 on “The Martha Stewart Show”
••Judge Judy Sheindlin (“Judge Judy”), March 3 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••David Spade (“Rules of Engagement”), March 2 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••John Stamos (“ER”), Feb. 26 on “Late Night With Conan O’Brien”
••Patti Stanger (“The Millionaire Matchmaker”), Feb. 26 on “The Bonnie Hunt Show”
••Marisa Tomei (“The Wrestler”), Feb. 26 on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”
••Donald Trump (“The Apprentice”), Feb. 26 on “Today” and “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Anson Williams (“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” director), Feb. 26 on “The Morning Show With Mike & Juliet”
••Lee Ann Womack (“I Hope You Dance” singer), Feb. 27 on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”
