The Monday Look Around

Here's the start of a (hopefully) regular feature, the Monday Look Around. It's a look back at TV's best and worst of the past week, and a look ahead at what's to come.

Highlights
1. Battlestar Galactica. The first of the final 10 episodes was a true stunner. Bleak and unrelenting, with shocking series-changing revelations, it wasn't particularly fun to watch, but it was powerful and dramatic television, a truly great show at its best. While answering some crucial questions, it opened up even more.

2. Damages. Another of television's best dramas, and the intrigue kicked into gear last week. Did Purcell kill his wife? Why is Patty so obsessed with helping him? Who does Ellen shoot (or shoot at)? Why is Wes so helpful to Ellen, and why does he have a cabinet full of guns and Frobisher photos? Can Claire Maddox take down Patty Hewes? And whose side is she on? And how are she and Purcell connected? It's enough to make your head spin, in the best way possible.

3. The Office. Biggest laughs of the week. From Michael racing next to the roadside speed indicator, to the office trying to keep the lid on a secret (Kevin to Angela: "I'm sorry I did such a whorish job filling out this form."), to the inevitable Andy-Dwight showdown, I think this was The Office's best all-around episode of the year.

Lowlights
1. VH1. Looking for a trainwreck of a show? Look to VH1. "Pathetic" pretty much sums up their programming: pathetic Barbie-doll women throwing themselves at pathetic former rock star Bret Michaels on Rock of Love Bus, pathetic former "teen idols" (really? I never heard of most of those guys) desperate to recapture a glimmer of fame on Confessions of a Teen Idol, pathetic guys called out for the tools that are on Tool Academy . . . enough awful shows that Celebrity Rehab and Sober House seem classy in comparison. Of course, the awfulness of these shows doesn't necessarily stop me from watching.

2. Top Chef. I had real problems with last week's episode, "Down on the Farm." The Quickfire challenge was terrible. I watch this show to see talented chefs compete at a high level, not dinker around with canned peas and Chef Boyardee. This season has had more than its usual share of contrived cooking challenges, and it's coming dangerously close to ruining the show's credibility. I was also upset that Arianne was sent packing. Granted, her lamb was bad, but the tying -- which seemed to make the judges most upset -- was done by Leah, who really didn't contribute anything useful to the meal, and deflected all blame come judging. She should have been gone, and I hope she doesn't last much longer.

3. 30 Rock. It fell flat. I love this show, and maybe that's why my expectations are so high, but for the first time in a long time, it didn't crack me up. Every show has its bumps, and hopefully this was just one of those. I won't hold a grudge.

Looking Forward to . . .
1. Lost. Two-hour season premiere Wednesday. Where/when did that island go?!? Can't . . . freakin . . . wait.

2. Burn Notice. Returns Thursday to USA. It'll be a good dose of fun hijinks and pretty explosions in an otherwise very serious, highly dramatic TV season.

3. Top Chef. It's time for Restaurant Wars this Wednesday, consistently one of the best episodes of each season.