Expect all the soapy shenanigans to reach a boiling point tonight in the Season 2 finale of the "Downton Abbey," ceaselessly addictive costume drama.
The two-hour episode has the family gathering to celebrate Christmas and welcome the new year (1920). But not all is bliss as poor Mr. Bates (Brendan Coyle) is on trial for the murder of his wretched ex-wife.
Meanwhile, we continue to wonder if Mary (Michelle Dockery) will throw over Sir Richard (Iain Glen) and pledge her true love to hunky Matthew (Dan Stevens). Who knows where that plot line will go, but judging from the preview footage, Matthew and Richard are set to duke it out. (PBS)
• Also tonight: No one -- not even Matt Groening -- would have predicted way back when that "The Simpsons" would crank out 500 episodes. But tonight, Homer, Marge and company hit that remarkable milestone, and they're still going strong. (Fox) ... A couple of clowns are joining "The Amazing Race." No, that's not a joke. A pair of circus clowns (husband and wife) are among the teams as Season 20 opens. Our advice? Leave the floppy shoes at home. (CBS) ... Call it reality TV inbreeding. The new season of "Celebrity Apprentice" features several contestants who earlier appeared on other unscripted shows, including Clay Aiken ("American Idol"), Victoria Gotti ("Growing Up Gotti") and Teresa Giudice ("The Real Housewives of New Jersey"). (NBC)
• Monday: On "The Bachelor," Ben is down to four women, and he's set to visit their hometowns, where he'll meet their families and probably face some tough questions, like, "What's up with that hairdo?" (ABC) ... "Clinton: American Experience" is a compelling two-part documentary that looks back on the political journey of former President Bill Clinton. (PBS)
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• Tuesday: On "Glee," about to go on a two-month break, a big showdown with the Dalton Academy Warblers at Regionals. (Fox)
• Wednesday: And you thought tensions were high during Hollywood Week. "American Idol" contestants face the judges one last time before semifinalists are announced. (Fox) ... Yes, fans of "One Tree Hill" are bummed that the show will end soon, but tonight Chad Michael Murray returns as Lucas, who comes back to town to lend some help to Haley (Bethany Joy Galeotti). (The CW)
• Thursday: There's big trouble for Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) on "The Mentalist." Malcolm McDowell returns in the role of Patrick's old adversary -- the sinister cult leader Bret Stiles. (CBS)
• Friday: The latest installment of "Great Performances" puts the spotlight on "Memphis." It's the 2010 Tony Award winner for best new musical that turns the radio dial back to the 1950s to tell the story of a rebellious white DJ (Chad Kimball) and his affinity for African-American music. (PBS)
• Saturday: Yes, the Oscars are the biggie, but the Independent Spirit Awards are usually much more fun to watch. Seth Rogen hosts the annual, free-wheeling gala that honors independent films such as "The Artist" and "The Descendants." (IFC)
This article is by the Contra Costa Times
