8PM – The Big Bang Theory (CBS) – After four seasons, this show is still hilarious every week. Four geniuses a a beautiful woman trying to understand what the hell they're talking about? Yes, please. Oh course Big Bang is that, and so much more. Jim Parson's Emmy-award winning role as Sheldon Cooper is reason enough to watch, as the audience can't help but love the one-science-experiment-gone-wrong-from-becoming-a-super-villain Sheldon try to get along in a world full of “lesser humans”. Adding the erstwhile “Blossom” (Mayim Bailik, in a role that fits her like a glove) to the cast as Sheldon's, er, female companion? INSPIRED.
8:30PM – Perfect Couples (NBC) – So you've read the reviews and this show doesn't sound so good to you. Normally, I would be inclined to agree that if a show is almost universally panned, there's really no reason to bother getting attached. However, this increasingly charming comedy about 3 couples in different stages of their relationships (sound familiar? See: Better With You, 24 hours earlier on ABC) has grown on me over the weeks. Is it still clunky? Yes. For every laugh out loud moment there's two that are so awkward that you can't help but cringe. But hey, any show that stars the hilarious Kyle Bornheimer is absolutely worth a look. (Side Note: FIND KYLE BORNHEIMER A HIT COMEDY. NOW! Sincerely, Pat.)
9PM – The Office (NBC) – As someone who had completely written off The Office after the brilliant “Niagara” last season, I have to say this year (very unfortunately Steve Carell's last) has really returned to form. The plots are irreverent, the writing is sharp, and the story lines are actually remaining within the confines of Dunder Mifflin's most profitable branch (who knew Michael was actually good at his job?). After seven seasons, for a show to return to the freshness of the early years is rare, but The Office has accomplished this, and then some.
9:30PM – Parks and Recreation (NBC) – Finally, a mockumentary that actually exceeds The Office. This third year ensemble comedy, starring the incomparable Amy Poehler, has really come into its own this season. When I heard Rob Lowe was joining the cast, I couldn't help but think “NO! WHY GOD?!?! THIS SHOW WAS GETTING SO GOOD!!! WHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!”.....So I'm a little dramatic when it comes to television, ok? Anyway, what a treat it was to see that Lowe was not only hilarious in his new role as Chris Traeger, an Indiana state auditor helping Pawnee out of bankruptcy, but he steals every scene he's in. His overly optimistic character should really grate on the audience, but Lowe plays it so perfectly, that the viewer wouldn't even question that his positive attitude is anything but 100% genuine. The rest of the ensemble more than pulls their weight, resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable half-hour, which more people SHOULD BE WATCHING. NOT SO SUBTLE HINT. PLEASE WATCH. PLEASE.
TiVo: Overlap/Sleep interference, but still worth your time! – Bones, 30 Rock, The Mentalist, Private Practice
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