Tonight We Shall Remain: American Experience continues. Tuesday night NCIS is back with a new episode. Wednesday night Lost has a new episode. Thursday night Ugly Betty is back. Friday night Alpha reveals himself on Dollhouse.
US television highlights for the week of April 27, 2009. Times are ET, shows are new unless noted as repeats. TV This Weekend will be published Friday. Tagged for your pleasure: tvtw .
Monday
We Shall Remain: American Experience, Trail of Tears. PBS, check local listings for time.
"Trail of Tears" recalls the 1838 forced relocation of Cherokees from their ancestral lands in the southeastern U.S. to Indian Territory in Oklahoma. Some 4000 Cherokees perished along the way. The documentary recalls the Cherokees' leaders John Ross and Major Ridge, who disagreed about whether the Cherokees should go or stay prior to the forced march; and a landmark Supreme Court case regarding tribal sovereignty. Part 3 of 5.
CBS Comedies, All New. 8pm - 10pm, CBS.
Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men and Rules of Engagement are all new tonight.
House, House Divided. 8:00pm, Fox.
A deaf 14-year-old says he heard explosions just before collapsing during a school wrestling match. When his condition worsens, his mother (Clare Carey) won't allow cochlear implants. Meanwhile, House's insomnia is playing tricks with his mind, but that doesn't seem to bother him.
Chuck, Chuck Versus the Ring. 8:00pm, NBC.
It's up to Chuck to save both Ellie and her wedding day when Ted Roark and Fulcrum show up, intent on causing mayhem and havoc.
Good Eats, Crustacean Nation 4: Crawfish. 8:00pm, Food Network.
Host Alton Brown explores a bayou staple, the delicious and sustainable alternative to lobster, the crawfish.
Heroes, An Invisible Thread. 9:00pm, NBC.
Nathan faces off against Sylar in order to keep him from meeting the President; Sylar has his own plans for his new partner; Hiro learns the repercussions of regaining his ability; Matt has to go to extraordinary lengths to protect his family.
24, Day 7: 3:00 AM-4:00 AM. 9:00pm, Fox.
The pathogen crisis continues, and Jack Bauer interrogates a key suspect.
Dhani Tackles the Globe, Australia. 9:00pm, Travel Channel.
Dhani Jones learns what it takes to be an Australian Surf Life Saving champion.
In Treatment, Oliver- Week Four. 9:00pm, HBO.
Oliver's mother is counting on him to get her through her divorce and she disagrees with Paul's suspicion that his recent spell of good behavior is a temporary aberration that will go away as soon as he gets what he currently wants.
Surviving Suburbia, 40 Days. 9:30pm, ABC.
Steve and Anne attempt to increase intimacy in their marriage by having 40 days of sex, as instructed in a popular relationship book, but the plan backfires when things get too intimate for Steve. Meanwhile, Courtney loses an important item given to her by Jenna.
CSI: Miami, Dead on Arrival. 10:00pm, CBS.
The CSIs delve into the scandalous, sexy world of a TV dating show after a reality star is murdered.
Castle, Ghosts. 10:00pm, ABC.
A woman is found drowned in a bathtub full of motor oil at a shady hotel. A true-crime journalist, who may have been tailing the deceased, helps Beckett and Castle with the probe. Elsewhere, Beckett puts her reputation and wallet at stake in a poker game with Castle.
Medium, The Devil Inside, Part 2. 10:00pm, NBC.
Allison's possessed stalker continues to torment her and infiltrate her dreams, which makes her less than reliable to Devalos during an investigation into serial killings; Joe tries to use Marie's new gift of picking stocks to save his company.
Doing DaVinci, Scythe Chariot. 10:00pm, Discovery.
The engineering and building team tackles a dangerous, 15th-century chariot that DaVinci designed to have deadly, rotating blades on the wheels, and they decide to update the vehicle by adding some modern robotic technology.
Paranormal State, Ghosts of Gettysburg. 10:00pm, A&E.
While renovating a historic bed and breakfast in Gettysburg, a couple begins to see strange shadows and hear loud footsteps and unexplained noises; psychic Chip Coffey and the PRS team are called in to investigate the paranormal activity.
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Tuesday
Frontline, The Released. PBS, check local listings for time.
The revolving-door experiences of mentally ill inmates are explored through the stories of two paranoid schizophrenics in Ohio, both of whom are released only to be rearrested for alleged offenses committed after they stopped taking their meds. Interviews include Scott Schnyders, a program director at the Refuge of Hope homeless shelter in Canton; psychiatrist Mike Unger; and Debbie Nixon-Hughes, the Ohio Department of Corrections' former mental-health bureau chief.
NCIS, Legend, Part 1. 8:00pm, CBS.
The body of a murdered Marine sends Gibbs and McGee to Los Angeles, where the case quickly escalates into a matter of national security and forces them to work with the Office of Special Projects; Tony starts prying into Ziva's personal affairs.
According to Jim, The Daddy Way. 8:00pm, ABC.
Cheryl's desire for some time with her friends leaves Jim in charge of their five kids---and the host of a rowdy playdate with other like-minded dads and their children.
American Idol, Performance Show. 8:00pm, Fox.
In a performance edition, the Top 5 singers interpret songs popularized by the Rat Pack, the 1960s gang of cool crooners that included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. 1 hr.
Fringe, Midnight. 9:00pm, Fox.
When a serial killer is draining victims of spinal fluid, the investigation by Olivia, Peter and Walter leads to a scientist who may be linked to a ZFT cell of bioterrorists.
The Mentalists, Red Sauce. 9:00pm, CBS.
The team investigates the suspicious murder of a mobster who was in the witness protection program.
Food Detectives, Nightcap?. 9:00pm, Food Network.
The food detectives examine whether a glass of milk assures good sleep; Ted Allen gives the facts about raw food diets and what foods contain lots of sugar; the team discovers whether it is safe to eat an egg with a blood spot inside.
Deadliest Catch, Stay Focused or Die. 9:00pm, Discovery.
Still reeling from the powerful typhoon that sent a ship to the bottom of the sea, the fleet tries to refocus on locating the best places to fish for crab, but the fishermen are distracted by news of what happened to the men of the sunken vessel.
How the Earth Was Made, Iceland. 9:00pm, History.
Fire and ice battle one another in the region, because volcanoes have torn the lands apart all throughout history and have caused devastation and disruption in the area's climate due to glaciers exploding and rampant flooding.
Without A Trace, Labyrinths. 10:00pm, CBS.
A young journalist who recently graduated from covering celebrity gossip to writing hard-hitting exposés on corrupt politicians goes missing, and the team wonders if the subject of one of her stories had something to do with it.
Cupid, The Tommy Brown Affair. 10:00pm, ABC.
After Claire's apartment is burglarized, Trevor tries to match a former jewel thief-turned-locksmith with the man's parole officer, who doesn't believe criminals are capable of changing their ways. A shaken Claire, meanwhile, leans on Trevor for support; and Trevor shares with her information about his relationship with his parents, Venus and Mars.
Rescue Me, Jimmy. 10:00pm, FX.
Tommy is surprised and upset when he learns where Jimmy actually was during the events of 9/11; Sean struggles to deal with his worsening back pain; the guys' hard work pays off when they finally open the bar for business for the first time.
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Wednesday
Presidential News Conference, special, 1 hr., 8:00pm, Most major networks.
Scrubs, My Chief Concern. 8:00pm, ABC.
J.D. considers leaving Sacred Heart to be closer to his son and Kim. Elsewhere, Turk settles into a new role, and Ted's relationship progresses.
Lie to Me, Undercover. 8:00pm, Fox.
An undercover cop chasing a drug suspect mistakenly shoots an innocent teen, and Cal is hired to determine the man's intentions. Meanwhile, Loker's lie during a recent Ponzi-scheme investigation could come back to haunt him (and Torres as well) when Cal tells them that they'll be deposed in a lawsuit over the matter; and Cal's suspicions that Foster's husband is having an affair are raised anew when he sees him again with the woman he had seen her with before.
Better Off Ted, Get Happy. 8:30pm, ABC.
Veronica works on improving morale at the company and reinventing herself as someone more likable after a survey reveals that the staff is miserable. Meanwhile, Ted tries to win over an older demographic in the first-season finale. Merrin Dungey.
Lost, The Variable. 9:00pm, ABC.
Faraday discloses what he knows about the island, beginning a time of reckoning. Eloise Hawking: Fionnula Flanagan.
American Idol, Results Show. 9:00pm, Fox.
One contestant is eliminated in a results edition. Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks performs "Seven Mile Breakdown." 1 hr.
Criminal Minds, The Big Wheel. 9:00pm, CBS.
A serial killer sends the team a videotape detailing one of his crimes, and they soon discover a hidden message begging them to help stop his murderous ways.
Mythbusters, YouTube Special. 9:00pm, Discovery.
Adam and Jamie scour YouTube Web for myths featured in popular videos posted there, and the team uses these videos as inspiration for testing whether a giant boulder can be built from Legos and whether matches can be used to make a bomb.
CSI: New York, Yahrzeit. 10:00pm, CBS.
The most exclusive jewelry auction of the year is brought to a sudden end by an appraiser's death, and the investigation leads the team to a clockmaker with a secret past and a confrontation with the tragic events of the Holocaust.
The Unusuals, 42. 10:00pm, ABC.
Lutz pulls a gun at Walsh's diner, striking Beaumont. While investigating, Walsh and Shraeger begin to discover Lutz and Cole's past connection. Elsewhere, Banks and Delahoy track a string of bus robberies, getting help from a clairvoyant passenger.
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Thursday
Survivor: Tocantins - The Brazilian Highlands, It's Funny When People Cry. 8:00pm, CBS.
One castaway begs for a second chance but becomes an outcast after an emotional outburst. A group of castaways get a taste of Brazilian culture and cuisine on an exotic reward. A nail-biting immunity challenge comes down to the wire with shocking results. One softspoken mastermind presents a devious strategic move to his alliance at the last minute. Will he be able to pull off an upset?
My Name Is Earl, Inside Probe, Part 1. 8:00pm, NBC.
The owner of the Crab Shack inexplicably disappears, bringing Geraldo Rivera and his cameras to Camden to investigate; Earl and Randy find themselves considered the prime suspects, but soon everyone in town is suspected of planning the disappearance.
Ugly Betty, Rabbit Test. 8:00pm, ABC.
When Betty and her family are on the guest list for a renowned Easter egg hunt thrown by Matt's obscenely wealthy father (David Rasche), Daniel hatches an idea that could improve Mode's financial situation. Meanwhile, Wilhelmina finds a reason to be suspicious of her son's DNA.
Bones, The Beaver in the Otter. 8:00pm, Fox.
The body of a fraternity member is found inside the costume of a rival university's mascot, but Brennan and Booth may not find a whole lot of brotherly love for the deceased when they learn that he was a BMOC---or big moneymaker on campus. Meanwhile, Booth tries to return a favor for his recently unemployed brother.
Parks and Recreation, Boys' Club. 8:30pm, NBC.
Leslie attempts to make her way into the old boys' club of politics when she attends a casual get-together, but she finds herself facing a tough ethical choice; Andy has a secret plan that he is going to use to surprise Ann.
Grey's Anatomy, No Good at Saying Sorry (One More Chance). 9:00pm, ABC.
Izzie's mother (Sharon Lawrence), who's something of a handful, shows up at Seattle Grace, while Meredith and Lexie receive a visit from their father (Jeff Perry), who's sober and sorry for past sins. Meanwhile, Meredith and the Chief fight about a case, and preparations continue for Meredith and Derek's wedding.
The Office, Casual Friday. 9:00pm, NBC.
Michael is called in to mediate a dispute that threatens to tear apart his new sales team; trouble in the office brews when several employees decide to take "casual" Fridays a little too loosely and threaten to ruin it for everyone else.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Gone Dead Train. 9:00pm, CBS.
The team works to uncover the source of a mysterious illness that is killing random people across Las Vegas.
Hell's Kitchen. 9:00pm, Fox.
The final three contestants prepare a meal for 100 top L.A. chefs. The winner gets to appear on Fox's local morning show while the losers must wash and iron the Hell's Kitchen linens---and watch the winner on TV as well. At dinner service, each of the three must "run the pass," a test that two will pass.
30 Rock, The Ones. 9:30pm, NBC.
Jack comes to the realization that his commitment to Elisa is serious enough that he wants to go shopping for an engagement ring with Liz; Tracy gives Jack advice on the pressures of married life; Elisa tells Liz that she is keeping a secret.
Harper's Island, Bang. 10:00pm, CBS.
The groomsmen make a gruesome discovery while taking Henry fishing; while celebrating Trish's bachelorette party an psychic has a strong reaction to Abby.
Southland, Two Gangs. 10:00pm, NBC.
Salinger's nightmare becomes a reality after he slams into a light pole and gang members steal his weapon; Sammy and Nate arrive on the scene to help, but Nate is reluctant to not call it in; a man exposes himself to Lydia, catching her unawares.
Warriors, Zulu Siege. 10:00pm, History.
Host Terry Schappert will review the intense Battle of Isandlwana in 1879 by highlighting the military tactics demonstrated by the African Zulu warriors, as their momentum in the war nearly took them to victory over the British army.
Kröd Mändoon and the Flaming Sword of Fire, Succubi: The Dawn's Early Light. 10:00pm, Comedy Central.
Freedom fighter Krod Mandoon must light a beacon that is capable of warning the resistance that Chancellor Dongalor is triggering the Eye; in order to make the Eye operational, the evil Chancellor Dongalor must locate the tears of a pagan.
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Friday
Ghost Whisperer, Cursed. 8:00pm, CBS.
Melinda becomes fond of a little girl's dollhouse that is inhabited by ghosts in need of assistance.
Prison Break, S.O.B.. 8:00pm, Fox.
Michael arranges to meet Christina. It isn't an easy reunion to begin with, then she says something surprising about Lincoln. Meanwhile, Pad Man arrives in Miami with a nonnegotiable demand for his new operatives; Linc races to abort Christina's plan; and T-Bag must prove his trustworthiness to the Company.
Dollhouse, Briar Rose. 9:00pm, Fox.
Alan Tudyk guest stars as the Dollhouse designer, who finds himself the focus of Ballard's investigation. Meanwhile, Echo helps a young girl cope with her painful past; Adelle searches the attic for answers; and Alpha reveals himself.
Flashpoint, Perfect Storm. 9:00pm, CBS.
A kid is bullied to a breaking point and decides to exact justice by bringing a gun to school; Sgt. Parker must cautiously talk the troubled teen down.
Patton 360, Rogue General. 9:00pm, History.
In an effort to gain leverage over German soldiers in the cover of trenches, General Patton hurries his men to claim the city of Messina before the British Allies, but after an issue with two soldiers, he is forced to relinquish his command.
Numb3rs, Disturbed. 10:00pm, CBS.
Feeling responsible for Don's life-threatening stabbing, Charlie puts additional effort into tracking down an unnoticed serial killer, and agents recall older theories from when Charlie first started with the unit to help solve the case.
Battles B.C., Judgement Day at Marathon. 10:00pm, History.
Ancient history tells of a massive Persian army setting sail to battle the smaller numbers of the Athenians, but the 300 they fought against handed them an unexpected defeat using military strategies still used by experts today.