Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Thursday, December 12. All times are Eastern.
TOP PICK
Scandal (ABC, 10 p.m.): Remember when we said last week was the midseason finale? We were wrong. Tonight is the midseason finale, “A Door Marked Exit.” There’s almost no information about this one online—except that “everyone will have to face the consequences of their actions” and guest stars are “to be announced.” This third season of Scandal has been inconsistent and a little unfocused—that B613 plot weighs down the frothy, insane tone of the show. But maybe now that Olivia’s mother is on a plane and Quinn is about to kill Rowan (or something), Scandal will be able to go out for the winter break with a bang. Because of the Winter Olympics, Scandal is taking a longer break than usual. Come hang out with Sonia Saraiya tonight and bid it farewell.
REGULAR COVERAGE
The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 8 p.m.): On a very special episode of The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon goes away to Texas, and the gang reminsces about how much he’s changed their lives for the better. Oliver Sava was certain they were going to plot to be rid of him, but apparently, that’s not the case.
The Vampire Diaries (The CW, 8 p.m.): “Fifty Shades Of Grayson” is a title that makes us uncomfortable, but as far as Carrie Raisler can tell, no bondage erotica is planned for tonight’s episode of The Vampire Diaries. Elena, however, will be exploring Whitmore College. Ooh, kinky!
Reign (CW, 9 p.m.): Nostradamus tells Mary that someone close to her will die, which, obviously, these people live in the early Renaissance, they all gon’ die. Genevieve Valentine rolls her eyes at us.
The Returned (Sundance, 9 p.m.): Camille is accused of being dangerous, and Pierre assumes a leadership role with the Outstretched Hand community. Erik Adams will settle for a role managing the pinky finger.
White Collar (USA, 9 p.m.): “Neal searches for a T-Rex skeleton and its egg at the Natural History Museum.” Kenny Herzog enjoys a good Jurassic Park crossover.
The Michael J. Fox Show (NBC, 9:30 p.m.): Michael has to work on Christmas Eve, which puts a wrench in his holiay plans. And Eve becomes intrigued by Judaism after attending a Hanukkah party, which is unfortunate, because Hanukkah ended a week ago. Robert David Sullivan sympathizes—calendars are hard for him, too.
Elementary (CBS, 10 p.m.): Holmes consideres sponsoring a fellow recovering addict, which is the cutest plotline in the history of everything. Myles McNutt might shed a single tear, but only if Holmes does, first.
Parenthood (NBC, 10 p.m.): Looks like “All That’s Left Is The Hugging” focuses on Amber and Ryan’s relationship, which always warms the cockles of our hearts. He doesn’t like her hanging out with the band, and she reaches out to Sarah for support. But let’s be real, Todd VanDerWerff is more interested in the subplot where Drew asks Crosby for advice on girls.
TV CLUB CLASSIC
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (11 a.m.): Zack Handlen’s Outer Space Fictional Station Support Group will be meeting at the usual time, in the usual location. But instead of two episodes, it’s time to discuss just one: “Inquisition.” Bring your best Monty Python jokes.
WHAT ELSE IS ON?
Christmas With The Mormon Tabernacle Choir Featuring Alfie Boe And Tom Brokaw (PBS, 9 p.m.): The latest contender for “most descriptive title ever,” tonight’s program features Alfie Boe and Tom Brokaw with the Mormom Tabernacle Choir.
Gypsy Sisters (TLC, 7 p.m.): Three new episodes of the show’s second season, which premiered last Thursday. Gypsy Sisters is a spinoff of My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, and TLC is airing both shows along with the 2011 special My Big Fat Gypsy Christmas throughout the evening.
Braxton Family Values (WE, 9 p.m.): Toni, Towanda, Trina, and Tamar Braxton continue their adventures.
Call Of The Wildman (Discovery, 9 p.m.): Two new episodes. Turtleman hunts a varmint that’s hunting turkeys, and then goes to New York City to see Annie on Broadway.
Mission: Impossible (MOMAX, 7:05 p.m.): The 1996 adaptation of the popular ‘60s television series. Starring Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt. Spoiler alert: The mission is possible.
Love Actually (AMC, 8 p.m.): Just in time for the holidays, the most divisive Christmas film of our generation. Starring a very large number of British actors.
NBA Basketball: Clippers At Nets (TNT, 8 p.m.): Los Angeles’ other team goes to New York to play against that city’s other team. Nets stars Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce both sat out their last matchup, due to injury, on November 16. Brooklyn in the house.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Kelly Clarkson’s Cautionary Christmas Music Tale: Gwen Ihnat covered this monstrosity, a Christmas-Carol inspired musical journey to the true meaning of [insert platitude here].