Scandal, on ABC
Kerry Washington stars as Olivia Pope in this new episode. Once the White House Communications Director, Pope is both revered and feared in political circles as she works to protect the reputations of the elite in this drama.
Q: Why have they never said what Penny's last name is on "The Big Bang Theory"?
It seems as if it just never happened. And now, according to executive producer Steve Molaro, it never will.
Back in 2009, when "The Big Bang Theory" was just two seasons old, co-creator Bill Prady said in an interview with "Variety" magazine that Penny's name would eventually be revealed. (He's a man of few words -- he was asked the question point-blank and his response was, "Yes.")
Criminal Minds, on CBS
FBI profilers travel the country in search of the most dangerous and elusive killers in this new episode. Together, the agents use technology, street smarts and intuition to solve cases and catch killers before they claim more victims.
Mind Games, on ABC
Brothers Ross (Christian Slater) and Clark (Steve Zahn) run a problem-solving business that employs some unusual methods in this new series. Using psychological manipulation, the company can solve just about any problem their clients throw at them.
Late Night With Seth Meyers, on NBC
Beloved comedian and long-time "Weekend Update" host on "Saturday Night Live" begins his tenure as host in this premiere. As his friend, Jimmy Fallon, moves on to "The Tonight Show," Meyers makes himself comfortable as host.
Q: Does Ms. Frizzle from "The Magic School Bus" have a first name?
She certainly does. She even has a middle name, depending on whether you consider video games to be official sources or not.
New Releases for the week of February 23 - March 1
Gravity
While on a routine space walk to service the Hubble Space Telescope, medical engineer Dr. Ryan Stone and veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski find themselves stranded in space when their shuttle is destroyed by a cloud of debris caused by a Russian missile strike on a defunct satellite. Tethered to nothing but each other, Dr. Stone and Kowalski struggle to find a way to survive and get back to Earth as they spiral deeper into outer space.
Director: Alfonso Cuarón. Stars: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris. 2013. 91 min. Drama.
Thor: The Dark World
During an investigation at an abandoned factory where portals have been appearing, Dr. Jane Foster is teleported to another world, where she is infected with a deadly weapon designed to destroy the universe. Upon hearing the news of Jane’s disappearance, Thor travels back to Earth to find Jane and bring her to Asgard. He then learns that she has crossed paths with Aether, a substance sought by Malekith, the leader of the Dark Elves, who intends to send the universe into darkness. Sensing that the Aether is near, Malekith awakens and sets out to find it. Thor hopes to protect Jane by hiding her far away, but he is stopped by his father, who wishes to lure the Dark Elf leader to Asgard. Despite his father's wishes, Thor plans to hide Jane with the help of his comrades and his brother Loki, who remains imprisoned for his war crimes against Earth and whose true motives remain a mystery.
Director: Alan Taylor. Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Christopher Eccleston, Kat Dennings, Stellan Skarsgård, Rene Russo. 2013. 112 min. Action.
Nebraska
David Grant reluctantly agrees to drive his estranged alcoholic father Woody from Billings, Mont., to Lincoln, Neb., to claim a $1-million sweepstakes prize he believes he has won from what is evidently a marketing scam. David and Woody set out on a life-changing road trip that includes a stop in Woody’s hometown of Hawthorne, Neb., where family members and old acquaintances aggravate old wounds and stir up sour memories for Woody, creating an even greater rift between father and son.
Director: Alexander Payne. Stars: Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb, Stacy Keach, Bob Odenkirk. 2013. 115 min. Drama.
Still laughing: Betty White moves to a new channel
Betty White stars in "Betty White's Off Their Rockers"
Still laughing: It may not have been the big hit that NBC was hoping, but Betty White's hilarious prank show is sticking around in a new home.
"Betty White's Off Their Rockers" has moved to Lifetime with back-to-back episodes to kick off a third season on Friday, Feb. 28.
Mixing things up: 'Mixology' is not your average sitcom
The cast of "Mixology"
Every popular sitcom seems to boast its local hangout. Think Central Perk on "Friends," Monk's on "Seinfeld" and, of course, Cheers on "Cheers." The oft-frequented location is a means of getting the main characters together in one place, while serving as an initial meeting place for potential love interests and new characters.
The Amazing Race, on CBS
Eleven teams of two set out on a thrilling race around the world in this season premiere. For the first time ever, the contestants will have the opportunity to win $2 million if the winners of the first leg can outrace the others and win the final leg.
