Bill Harris’ TV must-sees for the week of Dec. 15
1) Masters of Sex
First-season finale: In an episode titled Elvis Has Left The Building, a nervous and tense Dr. Masters (Michael Sheen) doesn’t get the reaction he’s hoping for when he presents his orgasm research.
When: Sunday on The Movie Network, Movie Central
2) Homeland
Third-season finale: OK, how many times does Carrie (Claire Danes) have to disobey direct orders before her superiors quit giving her so much “freelance” leeway? Oh well, the mysteries of TV.
When: Sunday on Super Channel
3) Michael Buble’s Third Annual Christmas Special
Filmed in Vancouver, Buble is joined by guests such as Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, British Columbia’s Coastal Sound Children’s Choir, and, um, the Cookie Monster from Sesame Street.
When: Wednesday on CTV
4) Played
In back-to-back episodes to wrap up the first season, Detective John Moreland (Vincent Walsh) faces his worst nightmare when a convicted armed robber out on parole is determined to exact harsh revenge.
When: Thursday on CTV
5) The Sheepdogs Have At It
Documentary follows Western Canadian rock band the Sheepdogs as they continue to plot their career after an appearance on the cover of Rolling Stone in 2011 changed their lives forever.
When: Monday on Super Channel
6) Canada’s Walk of Fame
In a ceremony filmed earlier this year, the 2013 honorees include Carly Rae Jepsen, Terry Fox, Victor Garber, Alan Thicke, Oscar Peterson, Bob Ezrin, Christine Sinclair and Craig and Marc Kielburger.
When: Wednesday on Global
7) 7 Days in Hell
Two adventurers battle the Yukon wilderness as they experience – purposely – what it would have been like to be Gold Rush prospectors in 1885. Intriguing, but ain’t there an easier way to get your kicks?
When: Tuesday on History
8) I Love Lucy Christmas Special
This is a one-hour program that highlights two recently colourized episodes from the classic 1950s sitcom. The seldom-seen Christmas episode from 1956 (pictured above) was thought to be lost for decades.
When: Friday on CBS
9) eTalk’s Stars and Scandals 2013
I guess you could say the same thing at the end of every year, but 2013 certainly had its share of celebrity controversies. Get ready for plenty of Miley Cyrus in this sum-up special.
When: Wednesday on CTV
10) NCIS: Los Angeles
Michelle Trachtenberg guest-stars as a senator’s daughter who narrowly escapes a serious attack. Might it have been related to her dad’s attempted crackdown on international cyber warfare? I’m betting yes.
When: Tuesday on CBS, Global
bill.harris@sunmedia.ca