NEW & NOTABLE:
CRUSOE (8PM NBC)
Friday and Crusoe relive tribal challenges from the island native’s youth. Why does this sound like an episode of SURVIVOR? In any case, it’s the only new episode being offered by any of the major networks in this time slot, so maybe it’s time to give this show a chance.
THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS (8PM SOAPnet)
In a repeat of Tuesday’s episode, Michael Gross — yes, the dad from FAMILY TIES — gives a stunning performance opposite the equally mesmerizing Christian Leblanc. Story wise, Leblanc’s Michael realizes that his dad, River (played by Gross) has done some pretty awful things. Anybody who thinks soap actors are second-rate hacks need look no further then these Emmy-worthy scenes to have that notion wiped right out of their heads.
CHEFOGRAPHY (9PM FOOD)
Everything you ever wanted to know about Rachael Ray. Assuming you ever wanted to know anything about her.
ROME (8PM HBO2)
Catch the first episode of this stunning series, which chronicles the fall of the Roman empire and the resulting rise of an empire. Beautifully filmed, gorgeously written and brought to life by some of the best actors in the biz, including GREYS ANATOMY’s Kevin McKidd and Polly Walker, whose Atia steals every scene she’s in… and some she’s not.
WWE TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS (9PM NBC)
Pro wrestlers head to Iraq — along with several performers — to entertain the troops. Yes, obviously, anybody doing something for our men and women in uniform is a good thing. But there’s something just downright weird about sending people who make big bucks faking fights to entertain people paid peanuts to put their lives on the line. I’m just sayin’.