Dr. Phil shares 10 warning signs of abuse
Last Friday, Dr. Phil devoted his syndicated talk show to domestic abuse.
He underlined the warning signs that indicate domestic violence in a relationship. And he offered a step-by-step plan on how to escape.
Here’s his checklists:
WARNING SIGNS THAT YOU MAY BE INVOLVED IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP:
* History of past battering
* Threats of violence
* Breaking items in anger
* Use of force during arguments
* Unreasonable jealousy
* Controlling behavior
* Quick involvement in the relationship
* Verbal abuse, blaming others for problems
* Cruelty to children and animals
* Abrupt mood changes
IF YOU ARE BEING ABUSED:
* Call the police
* Avoid becoming isolated and confide in someone
* Do NOT feel shame and know that no one has the right to hit or control you with fear
* Know that there is no excuse for abuse, it is NOT your fault and you are NOT alone
* Keep a record (including pictures if possible) in a safe place
* Consider ending the relationship as soon as possible
* Develop a safety/exit plan that DOES NOT include confronting your abuser:
1. Know emergency numbers
2. Keep spare house and car keys and a suitcase with essentials hidden but accessible
3. Know where you can stay in an emergency
4. Hide key documents and some emergency money
5. Work out a distress signal-system with a friend or loved one
For more of Dr. Phil’s advice on domestic abuse, visit www.drphil.com.
–Penny TV
Top 30 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing
March 29-April 4, 2009
Jack Black on "Yo Gabba Gabba!" (Nickelodeon Photo)
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 30 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of March 29.
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
••Jason Alexander (”Seinfeld”) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Kathy Baker (“Picket Fences”) on “Saving Grace,” 9 p.m. Monday on TNT.
••Ed Begley Jr. (“Gary Unmarried”) on “Party Down,” 9:30 p.m. Friday on Starz.
••Jack Black (“Tropic Thunder”) on “Yo Gabba Gabba!” 12:30 p.m. Friday on Nickelodeon.
••Alexis Bledel (“Gilmore Girls”) on “ER,” 8 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Ernest Borgnine (“From Here to Eternity”) on “ER,” 8 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Justin Chambers (“Grey’s Anatomy”) on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 7 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Christian Clemenson (”Boston Legal”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Marilu Henner (“The Celebrity Apprentice”) on “Party Down,” 9:30 p.m. Friday on Starz.
••Ken Howard (“The White Shadow”) on “Cold Case,” 8 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Mos Def (“Be Kind Rewind” on “House,” 7 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Michael Clarke Duncan (”The Green Mile”) on “Two and a Half Men,” 8 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Rachael Leigh Cook (”She’s All That”) on “Ghost Whisperer,” 7 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Melissa George (“In Treatment”) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Macy Gray (“Lackawanna Blues”) on “Head Case,” 9 p.m. Friday on Starz.
••Tricia Helfer (“Battlestar Galactica”) on “Chuck,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••Zeljko Ivanek (“Damages”) on “Heroes,” 8 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••Ali Landry (”Eve”) on ‘Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Vicki Lawrence (“The Carol Burnett Show”) on “Hannah Montana,” 6:30 p.m. Sunday on Disney.
••Chad Lowe (“24”) on “Bones,” 7 p.m. Thursday on Fox.
••Ken Marino (“Veronica Mars”) on “Greek,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC Family.
••Jesse McCartney (“Summerland”) on “Greek,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC Family.
••Donna Murphy (“Hack”) on “Trust Me,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on TNT.
••Jerry Rice (former NFL wide receiver) on “Rules of Engagement,” 8:31 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Melissa Sagemiller (”Sleeper Cell”) on “Eleventh Hour,” 9:01 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Johnathon Schaech (“That Thing You Do!”) on “Cold Case,” 8 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Jonathan Silverman (”The Single Guy”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Helen Slater (”Supergirl”) on “Eleventh Hour,” 9:01 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Mark Steines (“Entertainment Tonight”) on “Medium,” 9 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••David Sutcliffe (“Gilmore Girls”) on “Private Practice,” 9:02 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Gina Torres (“Standoff”) on “The Unit,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Connor Trinneer (“Enterprise”) on “24,” 8 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Mykelti Williamson (”Forrest Gump”) on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Noah Wyle (Dr. John Carter on Seasons 1-11) on “ER,” 8 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
TV Premieres and Finales airing
March 29-April 4
Jill Scott in "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" (HBO Photo)
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 29.
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
••“Any Dream Will Do,” 7 p.m. Sunday on BBC America (series premiere).
••“The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency,” 7 p.m. Sunday on HBO (series premiere).
••“Thrillbillies,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fuel TV (series premiere).
••“G4 Underground,” 8 p.m. Sunday on G4 (series premiere).
••“The Mighty Boosh,” 12 a.m. Monday on Comedy Central (series premiere).
••“Atom TV,” 1:30 a.m. Monday on Comedy Central (second-season premiere).
••“Greek,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC Family (second season resumes).
••“Osbournes: Reloaded,” 8:20 p.m. Tuesday on Fox (series premiere).
••“Cupid,” 9:02 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (series premiere).
••“My Boys,” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on TBS (third-season premiere).
••“Pretty Wicked,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Oxygen (series premiere).
••“Rate My Space With Angelo Surmelis,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on HGTV (third-season premiere).
••“Reno 911!” 9:30 p.m. Wednesday on Comedy Central (sixth-season premiere).
••“Free Radio,” 10 p.m. Thursday on VH1 (second-season premiere).
••“Mistresses,” 8 p.m. Friday on BBC America (second-season premiere).
••“Bang for Your Buck,” 8:30 p.m. Friday on HGTV (series premiere).
••“Special Agent Oso,” 7 a.m. Saturday on Disney (series premiere).
••“5 Ingredient Fix,” 8:30 a.m. Saturday on Food Network (series premiere).
••“Cooking For Real,” 11 a.m. Saturday on Food Network (series premiere).
••“Giada At Home,” noon Saturday on Food Network (second-season premiere).
ENDINGS
••“DEA,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on SPIKE (second-season finale).
••“Life on Mars,” 9:02 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (series finale).
••“ER,” 8 p.m. Thursday on NBC (series finale).
••“Eleventh Hour,” 9:01 p.m. Thursday on CBS (first-season finale).
Top 55 TV Programs for March 29-April 2, 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 29:
SUNDAY, MARCH 29
◊“Any Dream Will Do” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Graham Norton (“The Graham Norton Show”) hosts this new series in which judges and British viewers search for someone with star quality to take on the lead role in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Tony Award-winning composer Andrew Lloyd Webber is the head judge.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team reopoens the 1958 murder case of a successful newlywed real estate developer when new evidence indicates he may not have been killed were his body was found. Ken Howard (“The White Shadow”) and Johnathon Schaech (“That Thing You Do!”) guest star.
◊“A Conversation With … Lee Allan Smith” (6 p.m. on OETA-13): OETA broadcast journalist Dick Pryor talks to Lee Allan Smith about his life and some of the events he helped promote, including the 1989 U.S. Olympic Festival and the Centennial Parade and Spectacular in 2007.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The team helps a family dedicated to protecting the wildlife community build a stronger and safer home, as well as an improved sanctuary for the dozens of animals they rescue. Justin Chambers (“Grey’s Anatomy”) helps welcome the family back on reveal day.
◊“G4 Underground” (8 p.m. on G4, channel 191 on Dish Network, 258 on Cox Digital Cable, 310 on DirecTV): Morgan Webb (“X-Play”) hosts this new documentary series examines controversial issues, tech phenomena and unique personalities that have impacted today’s pop culture.
◊“Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. on Disney): Vicki Lawrence (“The Carol Burnett Show”) guest stars as Miley and Jackson’s Mamaw, who returns to keep an eye out when Robby heads off to his high school reunion.
◊“Jim Gaffigan: King Baby” (8 p.m. on Comedy Central): This new stand-up comedy special taped at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas, proves that no other comedian working today can romanticize laziness and over-indulgence like Jim Gaffigan (“My Boys”).
◊“Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): “Little Dorrit,” one of Charles Dickens’ lesser-known novels, becomes a five-part miniseries set in a world of chronic debt and financial collapse. Matthew Macfadyen (“Pride and Prejudice”) plays hero Arthur Clennam, newcomer Claire Foy is Amy “Little” Dorrit and Tom Courtenay (“The Golden Compass”) is her father, who has been incarcerated for 25 years for insolvency.
◊“The Mighty Boosh” (midnight on Comedy Central): This new British comedy follows wannabe glam rocker Vince Noir and jazz aficionado Howard Moon, who are in a band and living alongside a freelance shaman and talking gorilla.
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment “Kilauea: Mountain of Fire,” filmmaker Paul Atkins witnesses the cataclysmic meeting of 2000 degree lava and 75 degree ocean water in Hawaii. The latest eruption of Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano, began in 1983, and it hasn’t stopped since, creating 544 acres of new land and cosuming 200 homes.
◊“The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” (7 p.m. on HBO): Grammy winner Jill Scott stars as
Precious Ramotswe, the sensible and wise proprietor of the only female-owned detective agency in Botswana. The new series is based on Alexander McCall Smith’s mystery novels and was filmed in Botswana.
◊“Predator X” (7 p.m. on History): This new special unveils the discovery of one of the largest ocean predatorsd ever found. Just 800 miles from the North Pole, a team of paleontologists unearthed the fossilized remains of a Jurassic-Age Pliosaur estimated at 50 feet long, 45 tons and 150 million years old.
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel, 66 on Cox Cable, 214 on Dish Network, 362 on DirecTV): Storm reporter Lanny Dean and police officer Tim Buckman find themselves on the open road during the Greensburg tornado on May 4, 2007. For both men, spotting severe weather is part of the job, but the job that day involved dodging an EF-5 tornado packing 200-mile-an-hour winds.
◊“Thrillbillies” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV, 265 on Cox Digital Cable, 618 on DirecTV): This new action comedy series follows a group of redneck friends who are on a journey for the ultimate thrill.
MONDAY, MARCH 30
◊“Atom TV” (1:30 a.m. on Comedy Central): Returning for a second season is this comedy show featuring a selection of random and hilarious web videos, each one of them developed or handpicked by the network.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): When Chuck expresses his feelings about his complicated relationship with Sarah, a heartless female agent (Tricia Helfer, “Battlestar Galactica”) is sent to evaluate Sarah’s performance as Chuck’s handler.
◊“Greek” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): A secret sorority spy and a new freshman (Jesse McCartney, “Summerland”) stir up some trouble as classes resume at Cyprus-Rhodes University.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Now that Nathan’s ability has been revealed and he has lost control of his operation, he and Claire go into hiding in Mexico. With Emile Danko (Zeljko Ivanek, “Damages”) now in control of the government operation, his plan to destroy everyone with abilities is set into motion.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): Mos Def (“Be Kind Rewind”) guest stars as a man injured in a bicicyle accident who is unable to move or communicate verbally. The episode was shot predominantly from the patient’s perspective.
◊“Medium” (9 p.m. on NBC): Allison dreams about a game show that detects whether or not you’re telling the truth, and when she awakes a game show buzzer goes off in her head whenever someone lies to her. Her newly acquired talent becomes very useful during the murder investigation of a young couple. Mark Steines (“Entertainment Tonight”) guest stars.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (8:31 p.m. on CBS): After getting invited to a much cooler party, Jeff and Audrey lie to Jennifer and Adam to get out of a dinner they are hosting. At the party, Russell hits on the girlfriend of Jerry Rice (former NFL wide receiver).
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): While investigating the murder of a jogger, Grace worries for her nephew when his father starts dating again. Emmy winner Kathy Baker (“Picket Fences”) guest stars.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Warren Beatty was born on this day in 1937, and TCM will celebrate by airing five of his films, including 1978’s “Heaven Can Wait” (7 p.m.) and 1974’s “Parallax” (11 p.m.).
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie joins Alan, Herb and his next door neighbor (Michael Clarke Duncan, “The Green Mile”) in a night of alcohol-fueled reminiscences after Chelsea finds nude pictures of another woman on Charlie’s phone.
TUESDAY, MARCH 31
◊“100 Greatest One Hit Wonders Of The ‘80’s” (9 p.m. today through Friday on VH1): Judah Freidlander (“30 Rock”) hosts this five-part special that revisits the era that brought songs that we can’t get out of our head. The special features new interviews with some of the 1980’s top one-hit wonders, including Stacey Q, Animotion, Musical Youth, Frank Stallone, The Mary Jane Girls, Nu Shooz, Thomas Dolby, Kajagoogoo, Bow Wow Wow, Toni Basil and A Flock of Seagulls.
◊“According to Jim” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): When Jim realizes that Cheryl has taken a strong interest in yoga with a male instructor she raves about, he joins her class to find out what the hype is all about. Penny Marshall (“Laverne & Shirley”) directed the episode.
◊“Bad Girls Club Reunion” (8 p.m. on Oxygen): All eight bad girls reunite for one final fling in this special hosted by gossip blogger Perez Hilton (www.perezhilton.com). Hilton does his best to referee as tempers flare and gummy bears fly when the girls rehash all their disagreements.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The contestants get a blast from the past this week with visits by Season 5 winner Ali Vincent and Season 6 winner Michelle Aguilar, both filling in as host while Alison Sweeney is on maternity leave. The contestants are also surprised by the arrival of some old friends, whose return promises to shake up the competition.
◊“Cupid” (9 p.m. on ABC): This new romantic dramedy stars Bobby Cannavale (”Will & Grace”) as Trevor Pierce, a larger than life character who may or may not be the Roman god of love, Cupid, sent to earth to bring 100 couples together before he is allowed to return to Mt. Olympus.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): As the economy continues to spiral and a new administration promises to deliver comprehensive health care reform, “Frontline” correspondent T.R. Reid investigates the failures and future of the private insurance industry.
◊“My Boys” (9:30 p.m. on TBS): Get ready for a third round of good friends and good times. When the new season opens, P.J. will land her own newspaper column while also starting a new relationship that could finally prove to be “the one.”
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): Gibbs and the team must work with the shady CIA agent Trent Kort to put away one of NCIS’s most wanted. Christian Clemenson (”Boston Legal”) guest stars.
◊“Osbournes: Reloaded” (8:20 p.m. on Fox): This new series starring Ozzy, Sharon, Jack and Kelly Osbourne will feature audience interaction, rowdy comedy and hilarious stunts that will shock and amuse. The show will also venture off-stage with recurring segments including “Osbourne in the USA,” where members of the family go to work in places such as a fast-food drive-thru; and “Osbournes Meet the Osbournes,” where the family goes cross-country and lives with other Osbourne families.
◊“Pretty Wicked” (9 p.m. on Oxygen): DariDee English (“America’s Next Top Model” Season 7 winner) hosts this new series in which 10 divas put their looks aside and compete to see who is the most beautiful on the inside for a grand prize of $50,000.
◊“Trust Me” (8 p.m. on TNT): When Cochrane’s group is allowed to join in the pitch for a beer account that Sarah brought into the advertising agency, Tony’s temper sends him into an uncontrollable spin. Donna Murphy (“Hack”) guest stars.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1
◊“Babar” (2:30 p.m. on ION): The animated series starring the internationally renowned elephant king returns to television, premiering first on ION and then airing Saturday morning on NBC. In this new episode, Alexander learns a hard lesson about responsibility when he lets his rowing team down.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team must profile a self-confessed serial killer who turns himself in but sends them on a massive manhunt to find his latest victims before it is too late. Jason Alexander (”Seinfeld”), Ali Landry (”Eve”) and Nicholas Brendon (”Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) guest star.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): The murder of a corporate “fixer” takes the CSIs into the disparate worlds of political corruption, personal betrayal and silicone dolls. Mykelti Williamson (”Forrest Gump”) guest stars as Chief of Detectives Brigham Sinclair.
◊“Ethanol Maze” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): This special tracks a corn growing season with a Nebraska farmer who hopes the push toward more biofuel production will boost corn prices. It also takes a look at alternative fuels research at the Argonne National Laboratory outside Chicago.
◊“The Final Inch” (7 p.m. on HBO2): This Oscar-nominated documentary chronicles the work, spirit and resilience of the millions of frontline workers in the Indian polio eradication program. More than 465,000 health workers go door-to-door every six to eight weeks, vaccinating more than 58 million children under age five, overcoming physical, logistical and sometimes cultural barriers to ensure every child takes the oral polio vaccine.
◊“I Get That a Lot” (7 p.m. on CBS): Celebrate April Fool’s Day with this new special featuring celebrities working ordinary jobs and confusing customers. Celebrity participants include Jessica Simpson (“The Dukes of Hazzard”) working at a computer repair store; Heidi Klum (”Project Runway”) working the counter at a pizza place; Jeff Probst (”Survivor”) running a cashier at a grocery store; Ice-T (”Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”) posing as an athletic shoe salesman; LeAnn Rimes (“Northern Lights”) taking food orders at a Nashville diner; and Mario Lopez (”Extra”) selling hot dogs in New York’s Central Park.
◊“Jerusalem: Center of the World” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This new documentary delved into the historical facts and religious beliefs that have led so many thousands to live and die for this city.
◊“Life on Mars” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): In the series finale, Sam Tyler’s past, present and future all confront him when he receives a phone call with instructions on how he can return to 2008. All he needs to do is complete three tasks, but a dizzying set of circumstances inside and out of the 1-2-5 makes him think twice.
◊“Rate My Space With Angelo Surmelis” (7:30 p.m. on HGTV): Host Angelo Surmelis returns with a third season of his big-budget makeover series. The premiere episode features an updated craftsman family room.
◊“Reno 911!” (9:30 p.m. on Comedy Central): Two new cops join the squad for Season 6. Sergeant Jack Delan (Ian Roberts) is a macho, by-the-book cop while Deputy Franky Rizzo (Jo Lo Truglio) is a big city cop who doesn’t play by the rules.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Lon Chaney was born on this day in 1883, and TCM will celebrate by airing three of his films: 1923’s “Hunchback of Notre Dame” (5 a.m.), 1925’s “The Phantom of the Opera” (7 a.m.) and 1926’s “Tell It to the Marines” (8:45 a.m.).
◊“Washington Journal” (5:50 a.m. on C-SPAN): Starting today, the top 27 videos in the 2009 StudentCam competition will air — one each day — followed by an interview with the winning students. Three of the winners are Jenks High School juniors. Sheema Golbaba took second place for her video “The U.S. and Iran: Force or Diplomacy?”, while Kenzie Clark and Alexia Dickey placed third with their documentary “Crossing New Borders.”
THURSDAY, APRIL 2
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): The half-eaten body of Cam’s former fiancee is found in the tiger cage at the zoo, and Booth and Brennan determine the death was no accident. Chad Lowe (“24”) guest stars.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): In the show’s 200th episode directed by William Friedkin (“The Exorcist”), Langston is shocked when his former student is found murdered and becomes the focus of a CSI investigation into the world of Mexican wrestling.
◊“Eleventh Hour” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): When a psychotic woman accuses the Deputy Director of the FBI of stealing her baby and keeping her forcibly medicated as part of a cover up, Dr. Hood is the only one who believes she may be telling the truth. Helen Slater (”Supergirl”) and Melissa Sagemiller (”Sleeper Cell”) guest star.
◊“The Entrepreneurs” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Anchored by CNBC’s Donny Deutsch, this installment features celebrity chef Rick Bayless from Oklahoma City and his business partner Manuel Valdez, who turned a love of Mexican food into the multi-million dollar Frontera Foods empire with a highly popular line of authentic Mexican food products, a hit TV show on PBS, and a series of best selling cookbooks.
◊“ER” (8 p.m. on NBC): In the two-hour series finale, Gates works on a teenager with serious alcohol problems following a dangerous drinking game with friends. Old friends from County General show up to lend their support as Dr. Carter (former cast member Noah Wyle) opens a medical facility for the underprivileged in Chicago. Alexis Bledel (“Gilmore Girls”) and Ernest Borgnine (“From Here to Eternity”) guest star.
◊“ER Retrospective” (7 p.m. on NBC): As television’s most Emmy-nominated series comes to a close, this hourlong retrospective takes a look back at the past 15 seasons at County General’s ER. Clips from some of the most memorable episodes will be featured along with interviews with many of the past and present stars of “ER.”
◊“Free Radio” (10 p.m. on VH1): This series, back for a second season, chronicles the story of Lance, a fictitious radio show intern (Lance Krall, “The Joe Schmo Show”) who fills in as host of the popular L.A. morning show, “Moron in the Morning,” after the original host defects to satellite radio.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Meredith, Cristina and Bailey come to Lexie and Sadie’s rescue when a routine surgery goes horribly wrong. Melissa George (“In Treatment”) guest stars.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Alec Guinness was born on this day in 1914, and TCM will celebrate by airing six of his films, including 1969’s “Our Man in Havana” (10:15 a.m.) and 1970’s “Cromwell” (4:15 pm.).
FRIDAY, APRIL 3
◊“Bang for Your Buck” (8:30 p.m. on HGTV): This new series will help homeowners find concrete answers to ensure a return on their remodeling investments. Each week, viewers will see how three different homeowners – all living in the same city – renovated the same room of their house for the same amount of money. Designers Monica Pedersen, Sabrina Soto, Lisa LaPorta and Lytel Young will help determine which homeowner has earned the most “bang for their buck.”
◊“Escape to Chimp Eden” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): South African chimpanzee rescuer Eugene Cussons returns for a second season, and cameras follow him to Angola and Sudan to liberate chimps locked within crates, tethered by a chain and inappropriately raised as human children.
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): Melinda reconnects with some high school classmates after one of them dies mysteriously.
Rachael Leigh Cook (”She’s All That”) as one of Melinda’s former high school friends.
◊“Mistresses” (8 p.m. on BBC America): As the series begins Season 2, twelve months have elapsed and fans find the friends in various states of joy and pain. Struggling to learn from their past mistakes, Katie, Trudi, Siobhan and Jessica face new dilemmas, though the root of their problems remains the same – men and sex.
◊“NUMB3RS” (8 p.m. on CBS): When eight people, including two police officers, are executed in a coffee shop, a Los Angeles police detective gets the team on the case, and they uncover a trail of blackmail, romance and corruption. Jonathan Silverman (”The Single Guy”) guest stars.
◊“Party Down” (9:30 p.m. on Starz): At a romance seminar for seniors led by Pepper McMasters (Marilu Henner, “The Celebrity Apprentice”), Constance is confronted by a lothario (Ed Begley Jr., “Gary Unmarried”) from her past.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Marlon Brando was born on this day in 1924, and TCM will celebrate by airing three of his films: 1960’s “The Fugitive Kind” (5 a.m.), 1954’s “On the Waterfront” (10:30 a.m.) and 1957’s “Sayonara” (12:30 p.m.).
◊“Yo Gabba Gabba!” (12:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Guest star Jack Black (“Tropic Thunder”) rides into Gabbaland on his mini-bike and runs out of gas. Lost and scared, Black meets each of the Gabba characters who become his friends and refuel the mini-bike so he can head home. Along the way he sings, dons DJ Lance’s orange jumpsuit and teaches the characters and the viewers at home a new Dancey Dance called the “Disco Roll.”
SATURDAY, APRIL 4
◊“5 Ingredient Fix” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): Host Claire Robinson proves delicious dishes only need five ingredients or less, which makes cooking easier, faster and irresistible.
◊“Coming Home: Military Families Cope with Change” (6:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Queen Latifah (“Chicago”), John Mayer (Grammy winning musicain) and Elmo (“Sesame Street”) are featured in this new special that salutes the extraordinary courage and strength of military families and offers the general public a glimpse into what they often must endure.
◊“Cooking For Real” (11 a.m. on Food Network): This new series hosted by Sunny Anderson elevates the everyday meal by taking affordable, easy-to-find, easy-to-use ingredients and infusing them with diverse influences and rich flavor.
◊“Giada At Home” (noon on Food Network): In the Season 2 premiere, Giada De Laurentiis celebrates the arrival of spring with an Easter egg hunt and a meal that includes a crispy rack of lamb and lemon thyme bars.
◊“Love Takes Wing” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When a fatal illness breaks out in a small mid-Western town, everyone must put aside their prejudices and trust in the skills of the town’s new doctor. Lou Diamond Phillips (“Wolf Lake”) directed and co-stars in the movie, which also features Cloris Leachman (“Malcolm in the Middle”), Sarah Jones (“Big Love”) and Haylie Duff (“Backwoods”).
◊“Nora Roberts’ High Noon” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Emilie de Ravin (“Lost”) plays a hostage negotiator who gets a nice break from her demanding job and her duties as a single mom when a handsome bar owner (Ivan Sergei, “Crossing Jordan”) begins to court her. But her life takes a turn for the worst when she is attacked by an unknown assailant and begins to receive a series of threatening messages.
◊“Special Agent Oso” (7 a.m. on Disney): Sean Astin (“Rudy”) provides the voice of Oso, a fuzzy, lovable, bumbling stuffed panda bear who is a special agent-in-training. This new animated series for preschoolers emphasizes discovery, humor and organizational skills.
Happy Birthday, Nathan Fillion
March 27, 2009 — Nathan C. Fillion,
who plays Richard Castle in the new ABC series “Castle” (9:02 p.m. Mondays), turns 38 today.
He played Captain Malcolm “Mal” Reynolds on the SCI FI series “Firefly” (2002-03).
His first acting role was as Master Warrant Officer Tom Jardine in the 1993 TV movie “Ordeal in the Attic.” He was 22.
Best wishes to Nathan and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Nathan Fillion poses for a photo as he arrives for the screening of “Waitress,” during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster).
Watch mail for ‘Wheel of Fortune’ opportunity
For a chance to win $5,000 from “Wheel of Fortune,” you need to do more than watch the top-rated syndicated game show on TV. You also need to check your mailbox.
This week, nearly 45 million blue envelopes from Valpak were sent out to residents. The envelopes feature “Wheel of Fortune” hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White on the outside. Inside is information on the “Watch, Save and Win” sweepstakes.
In case your blue envelope didn’t arrive, here is the special Web site address where you can register to win: www.wheelofvalpak.com.
Go online and register to obtain a Bonus Round Puzzle solution. If your solution matches one that airs on “Wheel of Fortune” any night during the week of April 20-24, you have the chance to win a one of twenty $5,000 prizes being awarded.
–Penny TV
Happy Birthday, T.R. Knight
March 26, 2009 — Theodore Raymond
Knight, who plays Dr. George O’Malley on “Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. Thursdays on ABC), turns 36 today.
He played Ryan Lemming on the short-lived CBS series “Charlie Lawrence” in 2003.
His first acting role was as Daniel in the 2002 movie “Garmento.” He was 29.
Best wishes to T.R. and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: T.R. Knight arrives at the 18th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, Saturday, April 14, 2007. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson).
‘ER’ alert: Series finale is near,
Share show memories now
Season 15 "ER" cast (NBC Photo)
Only two episodes of “ER” remain.
Episode No. 330 is titled “I Feel Good” and will air at 9 p.m. Thursday (March 26) on NBC.
And the series comes to an end with “And In the End …,” a two-hour episode airing at 8 p.m. April 2.
A special “ER” retrospective will air before the series finale. The cast and crew will reflect on the show’s 15 seasons.
The Oklahoman Religion Editor Carla Hinton will also write about her memorable “ER” moments in an upcoming story. She has been a faithful follower of the show for years.
Readers are invited to contribute comments about “ER,” as well. So think back to your favorite “ER” seasons and characters — and even your least-favorite over the years — and share them with The Oklahoman via email (psoldan@opubco.com) or post comments on this blog.
–Penny TV
“ER” episode synopsis
“I Feel Good” (9 p.m. March 26)
Many of the ER doctors and nurses help out at Camp Del Corazon, a camp for kids who have had open heart surgery. Working along side the camp counselor (guest star Tom Arnold, “The Replacements”), Morris (Scott Grimes) and Brenner (David Lyons) make a huge impact on several kids at the camp. Meanwhile, Dr. Banfield (Angela Bassett) and her husband (guest star Courtney B. Vance, “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”) feel their adoption dreams slipping away when a young mother comes back for the child she abandoned in the ER. Parminder Nagra, John Stamos and Linda Cardellini also star.
“And In the End …” (8 p.m. April 2, replat at 7 p.m. April 4)
Gates (John Stamos) works on a young teen brought in with alcohol poisoning after playing a deadly drinking game with friends. Dr. Carter (guest star Noah Wyle) opens a new medical facility for the underprivileged in Chicago and some old friends from County General all come to show their support. It’s Sam’s (Linda Cardellini) birthday and Alex (Dominic Janes) and Gates surprise her with a special gift. Meanwhile, Carter works with an intern to save a mother in labor with twins. Parminder Nagra, Scott Grimes, David Lyons and Angela Bassett also star. Many “ER” alums return, as well. Guest stars also include Alexis Bledel (”Gilmore Girls”) and Ernest Borgnine (”From Here to Eternity”).
Top 60 Talk Show Guests on TV
(March 26-April 1, 2009)
"Osbournes" Reloaded" (Fox Photo)
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 (or more) of the best guests appearing on talk shows airing Thursday through Wednesday (March 26-April 1, 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
••Christina Applegate (“Samantha Who?”), March 26 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”; April 1 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Will Arnett (”Arrested Development”), March 31 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Joy Behar (”The View”), March 27 on “Rachael Ray”
••Halle Berry (”Frankie and Alice”), March 31 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Corbin Bleu (“High School Musical 3: Senior Year”), March 26 on “The Tyra Banks Show”
••Jordana Brewster (”My Boys”), April 1 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Darin Brooks (“Days of Our Lives”), March 26 on “The Bonnie Hunt Show”
••Michael Caine (”Harry Brown”), April 1 on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”
••Bobby Cannavale (”Cupid”), March 26 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Linda Cardellini (”ER”), March 31 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Dana Carvey (”The Master of Disguise”), March 27 on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”
••John Cena (”WWF Smackdown!”), March 31 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Glenn Close (”Damages”), March 31 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Mark Consuelos (”Husband for Hire”), March 27 on “Oprah Winfrey”
••Ted Danson (”Damages”), March 27 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Andy Dick (”Kissing Strangers”), March 27 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Vin Diesel (”Babylon A.D.”), March 30 on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”
••Troy Dunn (”The Locator”), March 27 on “The Morning Show With Mike & Juliet”
••Rupert Everett (”Wild Target”), March 26 on “Rachael Ray”
••Jimmy Fallon (”Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”), April 1 on “The View”
••Bobby Flay (”Iron Chef America”), March 27 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Michael J. Fox (“Always Looking Up” author), April 1 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Jim Gaffigan (”My Boys”), March 27 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Paul Giamatti (”Duplicity”), March 26 on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”; March 27 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Lauren Graham (”Flash of Genius”), March 27 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Bill Hader (”Saturday Night Live”), March 30 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Marg Helgenberger (”CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”), April 1 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Cheryl Hines (“In the Motherhood”), March 26 on “The View” and “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Jennifer Hudson (”Dreamgirls”), March 26 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Regina King (”Southland”), March 30 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Lisa Lampanelli (”Drillbit Taylor”), March 30 on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”
••Angela Lansbury (”Heidi 4 Paws”), March 26 on “The View”
••Hugh Laurie (“Monsters vs. Aliens”), March 30 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Cloris Leachman (“Cloris” author), April 1 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Carol Leifer (”Rules of Engagement”), March 27 on “The View”
••Ray Liotta (“Observe and Report”), March 26 on “The Martha Stewart Show” and “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”; March 27 on “The Morning Show With Mike & Juliet”
••Eva Longoria Parker (”Desperate Housewives”), March 26 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Virginia Madsen (“The Haunting in Connecticut”), March 26 on “The View”
••Demetri Martin (”Important Things with Demetri Martin”), March 27 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Neal McDonough (”Desperate Housewives”), March 26 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Jillian Michaels (”The Biggest Loser”), March 26 on “The Doctors”
••Alyssa Milano (“Safe at Home” author), March 31 on “The View”
••Megan Mullally (“In the Motherhood”), March 26 on “The Bonnie Hunt Show”
••Jonathan Rhys Myers (“The Tudors”), March 31 on “The View”; April 1 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Niecy Nash (”Reno 911!”), March 28 on “Talkshow With Spike Feresten”
••Jerry O’Connell (“Nora Roberts’ Midnight Bayou”), March 27 on “The Martha Stewart Show”
••Rosie O’Donnell (”America”), March 31 on “The Martha Stewart Show”
••Bill O’Reilly (”The O’Reilly Factor”), March 31 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Ozzy, Sharon, Jack and Kelly Osbourne (”Osbournes Reloaded”), March 26 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Jack and Kelly Osbourne (”Osbournes Reloaded”), March 27 on “Last Call With Carson Daly”
••Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne (“Osbournes: Reloaded”), March 31 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Amy Poehler (”Parks and Recreation”), March 31 on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”; April 1 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Jaime Pressly (”My Name Is Earl”), March 30 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••John Rich (”Gone Country”), March 26 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Emma Roberts (”The Winning Season”), March 26 on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”; March 30 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Dennis Rodman (”The Celebrity Apprentice”), April 1 on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”
••Michelle Rodriguez (”Fast & Furious”), March 31 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Seth Rogen (“Monsters vs. Aliens”), March 27 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”; March 30 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Isabella Rossellini (”Green Porno”), March 31 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Geoffrey Rush (“Exit the King”), March 27 on “The View”
••Susan Sarandon (”Exit the King”), March 27 on “The View”
••Ashley Scott (“12 Rounds”), March 27 on “The Bonnie Hunt Show”
••Jason Segel (”I Love You, Man”), March 26 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••William Shatner (”Boston Legal”), March 30 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••David Spade (“Rules of Engagement”), March 30 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••John Stamos (”ER”), March 31 on “Today”
••Jennifer Tilly (”Family Guy”), April 1 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Paul Walker (”Fast & Furious”), March 31 on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”
••Alexandra Wentworth (”Head Case”), March 27 on “Oprah Winfrey”
••Reese Witherspoon (“Monsters vs. Aliens”), March 27 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
Top 20 Talk Show Topics on TV
(March 26-April 1, 2009)
Wednesday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the topics (and all the guests) coming up on TV talk shows.
Here are TV Editor Penny Soldan’s Top 20 picks for shows airing Thursday through Wednesday (March 26-April 1, 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.
TOP TOPICS
••Traveling on a budget, March 26 on “Today”
••Saving money at the grocery store, March 26 on “Good Morning America”
••Getting firmer abs, March 26 on “The Early Show”
••Making organic food products, March 26 on “The Morning Show With Mike & Juliet”
••A look at how Purina pet products are developed, March 26 on “The Martha Stewart Show”
••Shocking, sexy and hilarious moments caught on tape, March 26 on “Maury”
••Tyra tests infomercial products, March 26 on “The Tyra Banks Show”
••Dr. Phil advises parents on how to talk to children about money, March 26 on “Dr. Phil”
••Controlling cravings and curbing one’s appetite with five squirts a day of a new diet product, March 26 on “The Doctors”
••Finding deals on home décor, March 27 on “The Early Show”
••Interview outfits, March 27 on “The Morning Show With Mike & Juliet”
••Eating on one dollar a day, March 27 on “Rachael Ray”
••Dr. Jessie Gruman (“AfterShock”) gives advice on handling any medical diagnosis, March 27 on “The Martha Stewart Show”
••Boosting the immune system, March 27 on “The Doctors”
••Men take lie-detector tests to prove their fidelity, March 27 on “Maury”
••Choosing a college, March 30 on “Today”
••Inexpensive fashion, March 31 on “Today”
••Tyra discussing the series “Primetime: What Would You Do?” and conducts social experiments with the audience, March 31 on “The Tyra Banks Show”
••Tax tips, April 1 on “Today”
••Flying without fear, April 1 on “The View”
