Blue Bloods, on CBS
Emmy-winner Tom Selleck leads the cast as New York Police Commissioner Frank Reagan in this new episode. Several generations of the Reagan family are involved in law enforcement, from son Jamie (Will Estes), a rookie cop to daughter Erin (Bridget Moynahan), an Assistant D.A.
Q: What's Candice Bergen doing these days? I haven't seen her in a while.
The longtime TV stalwart has been dabbling in TV guest arcs since her last starring role, on "Boston Legal," ended in 2008. However, most recently she's been getting back into the movie business.
She's currently working on the big-screen comedy "Merry Friggin' Christmas," due out later this year, about a man (played by "Community" star Joel McHale) who forgets his son's Christmas presents and must go driving around town with his father (played by Robin Williams) looking for new ones.
Parenthood, on NBC
Camille (Bonnie Bedelia) arrives home to find her husband eagerly awaiting her return in this new episode. But not everyone is as excited to see her as Zeek (Craig T. Nelson). Some Bravermans are conspicuously absent from her welcome-home party.
American Idol, on Fox
Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. join Keith Urban to judge hopeful vocalists in this two-hour season premiere. Ryan Seacrest is back to host this season, and Randy Jackson gives up his seat on the judging panel to act as a mentor to the contestants.
Q: I'm catching up on the old episodes of "Sherlock" now that it's back with a new season, and I have a question: The first episode was called "A Study in Pink." Does that mean it's an adaptation of the novel "A Study in Scarlet"? It doesn't seem the same
Fans of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the original Sherlock Holmes stories, have had to accept a fair bit of loose treatment in the various screen adaptations that have followed. And the fact that the "Sherlock" seen now on PBS and the BBC in Britain uses a cellphone instead of a telegraph and nicotine patches instead of a pipe, shows that this isn't your great-great-great-grandmother's Sherlock Holmes.
Face Off, on Syfy
Fifteen special effects make-up artists are eager to prove themselves in this season premiere. Hosted by McKenzie Westmore, the competition series follows the artists through several challenges designed to test their creativity and hands-on skills.
American Ninja Warrior, on NBC
Five of America's top comptetitors compete against five of Japan's most accomplished contenders in this two-hour edition. The athletes will have to muster all of their strength, grit and determination in their quest to win the $500,000 grand prize.
Q: Who played Sister Steve on "Father Dowling Mysteries?" I used to love that show. Also, is it available on DVD?
Everyone remembers Tom Bosley as Father Dowling -- he was already beloved as a different kind of father, after all -- but few remember the showbiz royalty who played his sidekick.
Bosley brought an impressive resume to his role as the mystery-solving priest, having previously starred as Howard Cunningham on the landmark sitcom "Happy Days," but co-star Tracy Nelson brought an impressive pedigree.
New Releases for the week of January 12 - January 18
Enough Said
A divorced and single parent, Eva enters into a new relationship with the sweet and charming Albert, who, similar to Eva, is dealing with a soon-to-be empty nest. At the same time, Eva develops a new friendship with the beautiful and artistic Marianne, only to discover that Albert and Marianne were once married to each other. While Marianne rags on her ex-husband, Eva begins to doubt her own relationship with Albert and wrestles with the idea of revealing the information she learned about her new acquaintances from one another and risk losing a valuable friend and romantic partner.
Director: Nicole Holofcener. Stars: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, James Gandolfini, Catherine Keener, Toni Collette. 2013. 93 min. Comedy.
The Butler
During his lifetime, Cecil Gaines served eight United States presidents as a domestic servant in the White House, witnessing momentous occasions in U.S. history, from the American civil rights movement to the Vietnam War. While these major events affect and shape the American society, Cecil contends with his family’s own life-changing moments, including his wife Gloria’s addiction and a defiant eldest son.
Director: Lee Daniels. Stars: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack, David Banner, Mariah Carey, Terrence Howard, James Marsden, Liev Schreiber. 2013. 132 min. Biography.
Fruitvale Station
On the morning of Dec. 31, 2008, Oscar Grant III awoke with the intent to change his life for the better – being a better son to his mother, partner to his girlfriend and father to his four-year-old daughter. On this significant day, Oscar learns that change doesn’t come easy, but the persistent 22-year-old carries on until an encounter with the Bay Area Rapid Transit police suddenly and tragically puts an end to Oscar’s plan and leaves the community in shock.
Director: Ryan Coogler. Stars: Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz, Octavia Spencer, Chad Michael Murray, Ahna O’Reilly. 2013. 85 min. Biography.
Riddick
After being betrayed and left for dead on a sun-scorched planet, Riddick finds himself facing a race of deadly alien predators, but he quickly develops immunity against the predators' venom and becomes stronger than ever. When two ships answer the emergency beacon he activates, Riddick must elude two new enemies: a group of bounty hunters led by a violent man named Santana and a team of professional mercenaries headed by a former acquaintance.
Director: David Twohy. Stars: Vin Diesel, Karl Urban, Katee Sackhoff. 2013. 119 min. Action.
Late Laughs for the week of January 12 - 18, 2014
The Late Show: David Letterman
Did you see “The Sound of Music?” It was the most exciting live TV event since Matt Lauer's on-air prostate examination.
You know that fake sign language guy? It was so cold today he was signing with mittens.
How many of you watched "The Sound of Music" show on NBC? Well, they're going to repeat it on Saturday. That will give me an opportunity to not watch it for the second time.