Television

Millions who miss the The Sopranos are likely to get hooked on the notion of Silvio in Witness Protection in Norway. Why Lilyhammer? Because he watched the Olympics. That makes sense about as much as this series for Netflix starring a parody of mobster/ rocker Steven Van Zandt. Fugggedddahboutit. Bada bada bing.

Too much TV turns your brain to mush and causes cancer. Which is what I love about it. This week we saw the first episode of Smash. It was awesome. But I just don't understand Luck on HBO. Something about horse races. So, if you like TV as much as I do here's an update.

For the past couple of weeks we have been bombarded with pilots for new shows. After a summer of reruns it is fun to see favorites resume and sort out the cliff hangers. The surgeons of Grey's Anatomy are getting back on track after the season ending slaughter. House is getting it on with Dr. Cutty. Mayhem again prevails on Wisteria Lane. There are also a slew of wannabes most of which are just bloody awful as usual. But there is always a ray of hope. There's more to the tube than You Tube.

A reality show based on the art scene sounded like a bad idea from the start. What does it mean for the art world when artists put entertainment first and art second? Or will this show actually bring us the next great art star? The art world gets real. Kindah.

On the couch, five nights a week for a half hour, with HBO. Gabriel Byrne stars as the therapist Paul with four high profile patients. On Friday nights the shrink gets shruck by Gina performed by the wonderful Dianne Wiest.

In an era of celebrity chefs the Scottish born Gordon Ramsay has acheived rock star status through a range of popular reality TV shows including endless reruns of "Kitchen Nightmares" on BBC.

For HBO's The Sopranos, it aint' over till its over. But is it over? Has creator David Chase in this cliffhanger just set up the film sequel. From HBO to Hollywood seems to be the real question but Chase ain't talking and may be in witness protection in Iowa.

After six seasons the Sopranos will end in a blood bath this Sunday demonstrating that even on HBO crime does not pay.

Baddabaddaabing two popular cops and robbers shows, The Shield, on FX and Sopranos, on HBO are back this week. Nos moratamur te salutamus. Let the games begin.