Worth Watching
Queer TV you can always see
All My Children When Bianca’s (Eden Riegel) brother, Josh, shot up Zach’s casino last week, he took Reese (Tamara Braun) hostage. Bianca had just gotten Reese back after nearly losing her. There was a tearful reunion with lots of hugging and kissing and hair-stroking. The couple went back to planning their wedding in Connecticut with Greenlee and Ryan. And then … Josh had a gun to Reese’s head and Bianca was screaming at him not to shoot her. Erica, Bianca and Reese were frozen in fear while Zach tried to convince Josh to let Reese go and take him hostage. Josh refused. Fortunately, Zach travels on both sides of the law and he took a shot at Josh and blew half his head off, saving Reese’s life and also coincidentally ensuring an organ donor for his dying wife — Josh’s other sister, Kendall. But the trauma of the event has sealed an even stronger bond between Zach and Reese, who already seem like best buddies — or something. Will this latest series of events put distance between Reese and Bianca? Not so much that Bianca’s and Reese’s wedding gowns aren’t being previewed all over the Internet in anticipation of daytime’s first girl-girl wedding! Monday-Friday, 1 p.m. on ABC.
As the World Turns Luke (Van Hansis) and Noah (Jake Silbermann) are now officially lovers. They’ve had sex (we never got to see them in bed together because the producers chickened out). The most popular gay couple on TV has been through a lot in recent months, but the real fun is coming up for sweeps month. According to senior publicist Lisa Lugassy, starting in February, Luke and Noah will be involved in a murder investigation/amateur detective plot. Meanwhile, Damian, Luke’s biological father who sent Luke off to a place that “fixes” queers last time he was in town, will also return to Oakdale. Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. on CBS.
Martha Martha Stewart isn’t queer, but no one has a gayer sensibility (or gayer friends — Tim Gunn, anyone?). Great food and great ideas with intriguing and/or cute guests. Her dog-training series this week has excellent tips for dog owners. Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. on NBC.
Ellen We never tire of the dancing dyke diva of daytime. Monday-Friday, 3 p.m. on NBC.
The Rachel Maddow Show Smart and savvy deconstruction from the only out lesbian to host a political talk show. Monday-Friday, 9 p.m. on MSNBC.
The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson Consistently queer-friendly commentary, boy toys in leather gear and nightly drag routines from the Scottish comedian. Monday starts Magic Week, with the best magicians and illusionists in America, beginning with Lance Burton. Monday-Friday, 12:35 a.m. on CBS.
FRIDAY
Reporter Zero The first documentary about journalist Randy Shilts. The controversial Shilts wrote extensively about the AIDS epidemic in the early 1980s and civil-rights issues surrounding the epidemic. His arguments that the bathhouses should be closed and safe sex practiced assiduously sparked numerous controversies within the gay community. Shilts also authored “And the Band Played On.” 6:30 a.m. on Logo.
Unveiled This extraordinary film premiered at the Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Fariba is an Iranian translator who faces persecution for her sexual orientation. She flees to Germany, where she assumes the identity of another Iranian refugee who dies just before he is granted asylum. Fariba must now live as a man, hiding her identity at work and home. But her life takes an unexpected turn when a woman she works with begins to suspect she is not a man — and is interested in being more than friends. A sad and compelling drama about the threat so many lesbians and gay men live under in countries where staying in the closet isn’t a choice but a matter of life and death. With Jasmin Tabatabai as Fariba. In German with English subtitles. 9 a.m. on Logo.
Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte Robert Aldrich’s smartly atmospheric gothic Grand Guignol stars Bette Davis as tortured and aging Southern belle Charlotte, whose cousin, played by Olivia de Haviland, comes back (poverty-stricken) to try and wrest the family money from Charlotte, whose house is scheduled to be demolished to make way for an interstate. Charlotte has been a recluse since her married lover was murdered when she was in her 20s and she was the prime suspect. Joseph Cotten is de Haviland’s sleazy partner in crime and Agnes Moorehead is remarkable as Charlotte’s housekeeper, Velma. Riveting. 8 p.m. on TCM.
Factory Girl This queer biopic of Edie Sedgwick (Sienna Miller), the 1960s socialite, model, underground film star and drug addict, revolves around The Factory, Andy Warhol’s (Guy Pearce) art/film studio. Sedgwick’s gay brother, Warhol’s other stars and Sedgwick’s molesting father all play a role in her decline and fall. 10 p.m. on TCM.
SATURDAY Sweet Smell of Success Burt Lancaster is a disturbingly effete monster in Clifford Odets’ version of the Ernest Lehman novel about a well-connected newspaper columnist (based on Walter Winchell) and his efforts to destroy all those around him. With Tony Curtis in one of his best roles, a stunning score by Elmer Bernstein and phenomenal cinematography by James Wong Howe. The dialogue is to die for. 8 p.m. on TCM.
SUNDAY This Week George Stephanopoulos reviews the latest moves of the Obama administration. 10:30 a.m. on ABC.
Super Bowl XLIII Another year without the Eagles. The Cardinals vs. the Steelers. 6 p.m. on NBC.
Big Love The fun-loving polygamist returns with his three wives. Tonight, plans to expand the casino fall flat when Barb’s sister, Cindy, returns to steer an anti-gaming committee. 9 p.m. on HBO.
The L Word After weeks of whining, Shane finally gets Jenny to forgive her. Which is a good thing, because the movie negatives for the film “The Girls” (which the producers changed from “Lez Girls”) have been stolen and Tina’s to blame because of her frustration over the show’s new ending. But Tina thinks Jenny stole them. (Yet another murder suspect … ) While Joyce and Phyllis tell the news about the marriage, the relationship between Jenny and Shane develops, and also shocks their friends. 9 p.m. on Showtime.
MONDAY House The 100th episode finds the bisexual Thirteen (Olivia Wilde) beginning to suffer serious and life-threatening reactions to her experimental Huntington’s disease clinical drug trial. Meanwhile, Cuddy and House continue to spar. 8 p.m. on FOX.
Bromance It was only a matter of time before TV got hip to the semi-sexual world of male bromance. In tonight’s series finale, host Brody Jenner (“The Hills”) chooses one out of the final three to become his new buddy and go on the road with him. Really. 9 p.m. on MTV.
True Beauty The premise of this reality series is that beauty is interior, not exterior — except the players don’t know that. Watch for the beefcake (Ray!) and openly queeny Nolé Marin (who has a Chihuahua named Empress Minnie). 10 p.m. on ABC.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Tonight’s premiere introduces the boys who would be queen. Nine top drag queens compete for a MAC Cosmetics gig, money in the bank and an Elle magazine spread. Who says America doesn’t love royalty? 10 p.m. on Logo.
TUESDAY American Idol Must-watch, train-wreck TV. With auditions almost over, Paula Abdul is barely coherent and Simon’s nasty as ever. 8 p.m. on FOX.
Nip/Tuck Sean’s relationship with one of his male students bothers Matt, for obvious reasons. 10 p.m. on FX.
WEDNESDAY American Idol The competition continues. 8 p.m. on FOX.
Lost The best drama series on TV since “The Wire” has returned, more complicated and nerve-wracking than ever. Tonight the time shifting on the island is perilous to those still remaining and some may die from the aftershocks. With Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lily and Terry O’Quinn. 9 p.m. on ABC.
The Real World: Brooklyn This season includes Sarah, a tatted-up bisexual artist who works with victims of sexual abuse; Katelynn, a transgender female who wants to marry her boyfriend; and Chet, a Mormon frat boy. 10 p.m. on MTV.
Top Chef: New York San Francisco lesbian Jamie is among the final five and seems to have let go of the scallops, finally. With local restaurateur Stephen Starr among the guest judges. Only five nail-biting episodes left. 10 p.m. on Bravo.
Sordid Lives Ty tells Sara that he and Jacob are boyfriends and comes out to his best friend. Brother Boy and Jackie make a plan to get out of the institution by blackmailing Bumper. The Baptists picket the bar and Glyndora moves in with Bitsy after Ritchie beats her up. Latrelle is getting off the pills and Sissy decides to quit smoking. Noleta shoots G.W.’s ear so she can go with LaVonda to L.A. 10:30 p.m. on Logo.
THURSDAY Ugly Betty Tonight’s episode is directed by lesbian filmmaker Rose Troche (“Go Fish”). Betty comes up with a solution to deal with her personal problems, but sexy neighbor Jesse keeps her distracted from her goals. Daniel does his best to cover his tracks, as Connor is adamant on unveiling Molly’s admirer. 8 p.m. on ABC.
Grey’s Anatomy What’s next for Callie (Sara Ramirez) as Sadie (Melissa George) leaves Seattle Grace? Paging Dr. Arizona (Jennifer Capshaw)! Will three (women) be the charm? Meanwhile, Izzy has a brain tumor and has sent Denny packing to the afterlife now that he’s told her. And Meredith and Derek are getting married — or are they? 9 p.m. on ABC.