‘Gilmore Girls’ celebrates 100th
“Gilmore Girls” (8 p.m., WB) celebrates its 100th episode by showing off the smart writing, genial characters and soap-opera twists that have hooked viewers from the beginning.
My feelings about the show haven’t changed since its debut, either. I still admire “Girls” when I’m not shouting, “Oh, shut up, already,” every time Lorelai opens her mouth.
The woman is like a literary pop-cultural karaoke machine, spraying everyone in sight with a torrent of clever references. Tonight’s show is no exception, as Lorelai betrays her love of “Cop Rock” in one scene and drops Cecil Beaton’s name in the next.
Working in an entertainment industry that celebrates “The Simple Life” as screwball comedy, I guess I should learn to appreciate “Gilmore Girls.” I just wish it didn’t try so hard all the time.
It bludgeons viewers with its knowing nature from the opening Carole King theme song to the “Dorothy Parker Drank Here” production credits at the end.
But this major quibble aside, “Girls” still manages to be funny, charming, touching and, yes smart, often all at the same time.
In tonight’s episode Richard and Emily re-affirm their wedding vows at a posh venue, which gives Emily plenty of chances to show off her imperious snobbery and Richard the opportunity to beguile viewers with his teary introduction of Emily’s favorite song, “Wedding Bell Blues” by The 5th Dimension.
The emotional moment and open-bar venue also give everyone motivation to drink too much and say too much for polite company.
So here’s to “Gilmore Girls.” A WB show that gives viewers so much to complain about, think about and savor deserves to stick around for its 200th episode.
“The Viking Deception” on “Nova” (7 p.m., KSPS) offers viewers an old-fashioned academic detective story containing high-tech elements right out of “CSI.”
Back in 1957, two book dealers approached the British Museum with a manuscript from the Middle Ages that contained a curious map. The map and manuscript would find their way to Yale University, and on Oct. 11, 1965, that prestigious institution unveiled the Vinland Map, apparent proof that Vikings – not Christopher Columbus – had discovered America.
Many Italian-Americans were outraged that Yale chose the eve of Columbus Day to make this startling announcement.
The authorities at Yale would soon pay for their arrogance. For the past four decades experts have debated the map’s authenticity.
“Nova” presents a series of experts who debunk the map and trace its origins to the 1950s. The series then attempts to explain the apparent forgery and those who might have the means and motives to perpetrate it.
As a historical mystery, this “Nova” has everything, including Nazi intrigue and a felonious fraud, as well as a venerable priest and cartographer who might be part of the academic hoax of the century.
Other highlights
Hollywood auditions on “American Idol” (8 p.m., Fox).
The globetrotting wraps up on the two-hour finale of “The Amazing Race” (9 p.m., CBS).
The condition of an anonymous homeless man proves vexing on “House” (9 p.m., Fox).
“Frontline” (9 p.m., KSPS) examines America’s long ties to the Saudi royal family.
Teenagers suspected of killing a prostitute may have been re-enacting a popular video game on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (10 p.m., NBC).
The war comes home for two soldiers on “NYPD Blue” (10 p.m., ABC).
Cult choice
A telekinetic teenage outcast (Sissy Spacek) has a prom night to remember in the 1976 shocker “Carrie” (8 p.m., AMC), co-starring Piper Laurie, John Travolta and Amy Irving.
Series notes
Bodies in a barrel on “NCIS” (8 p.m., CBS) … Gaffes galore on “Most Outrageous TV Moments” (8 p.m., NBC) … Jay’s New Age phase irks Michael on “My Wife and Kids” (8 p.m., ABC) … Robert can’t accept his son’s disability on “All of Us” (8 p.m., UPN).
The Earth moves on “George Lopez” (8:30 p.m., ABC) … Kung fu fighting on “Eve” (8:30 p.m., UPN, TV-PG).
A contagious date on “Scrubs” (9 p.m., NBC) Cheryl sees Jim’s sensitive side, and she doesn’t like it on “According to Jim” (9 p.m., ABC) … Kidnappers snatch a rap mogul’s daughter on “Veronica Mars” (9 p.m., UPN) … Lucas gets his test results on “One Tree Hill” (9 p.m., WB).
Sensory deprivation on “Committed” (9:30 p.m., NBC) … The landlord of the ring on “Rodney” (9:30 p.m., ABC).