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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, September 13, 2007

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

“I Hate My 30s” ends its season with one of its best episodes.

VH1

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TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"I Hate My 30s" season finale, 7:30 p.m., VH1. One of the summer's happiest surprises ends with one of its best episodes. Viewers know that Chad and Carol are made for each other, even though she won't admit it. She keeps claiming she can't date someone she works with. Now they each retreat to the Internet — and unknowingly woo each other. That's familiar comedy turf, but this show does it cleverly. It has more Internet twists, including a character who literally jumps a shark. That will tickle buffs, who use "jump the shark" as an expression for a show that goes too far.

"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" season opener, 7 and 7:30 p.m., FX. Just as one good cable comedy departs another returns. Here are four young people — each unapologetically selfish — running a bar. The first episode, in which they find a baby, is mildly funny. The second, trying out for football, has great moments.

OF NOTE

"Private Screenings: Norman Jewison," 2 p.m., and "Moonstruck" (1987), 3 p.m., Turner Classic Movies. Norman Jewison was known as a nimble director of sweet trifles — TV specials and two Doris Day comedies and more. Then came his detour into serious drama. His movies have won 12 Academy Awards, peaking with best-picture winner "In the Heat of the Night." Here's an amiable interview, followed by the film in which he returned skillfully to comedy.

"My Name is Earl," 7 p.m., NBC. In this rerun, Earl is ready to try a real job of sorts, in an appliance store.

"Mad Men," 7 p.m., AMC. Now considered an advertising hot shot, Don is getting offers from a rival agency. Meanwhile, his staff tries to beef up Richard Nixon's presidential campaign to counter an effective one for John Kennedy.

"30 Rock," 7:30 p.m., NBC. Veteran actress Elaine Stritch arrives as Jack's strong-minded mother, alarmed by word that he's getting married. Also in this rerun, the show is near its summer break and Liz ponders her relationship with Floyd.

"The Office," 8 p.m., NBC. Michael is so sure he's getting a promotion that he has a "Survivor"-type challenge to choose a successor.

"Grey's Anatomy," 8 p.m., ABC. As the interns prepare for exams, Cristina tries to write her wedding vows.

"Burn Notice," 10 p.m., USA. Lucy Lawless guests as a woman who hires Michael to find her son. She figures his father has taken him.