Maureen Ryan

Torture, illegal boxing and gunplay? Yes, this must be the Lifetime network! I kid, of course. "Dark Blue" (9 p.m. Wednesday, TNT **) is the last thing you would ever...

It's not easy to steal Edie Falco's own show out from under her. But in Monday's wonderful episode of "Nurse Jackie" (9:30 p.m., Showtime) Judith Ivey almost does. The episode,...

Though it sticks quite closely to a formula, "Warehouse 13" (8 p.m. Central Tuesday, Syfy ***) is surprisingly satisfying, especially if you're in the mood for a light procedural with...

Cable networks have to work extra hard to establish their brands, unlike broadcast networks whose longevity and prominence make them difficult to miss. Through creative advertising campaigns and noteworthy shows,...

If you tune in to "Hung" (9 p.m. Sunday, HBO **) expecting sex and lots of it, adjust your expectations. This tale of a high school teacher who takes a...

There are generally two categories of "Doctor Who" episodes: thrillers and adventures. "The Next Doctor," a "Doctor Who" special that airs this weekend (8 p.m. Saturday, BBC America **1/2), definitely...

Patti Blagojevich emerged from "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!" having learned a few things. In a Wednesday conference call with the media, Blagojevich, who on Tuesday...

"Virtuality" (7 p.m. Friday, WFLD-Ch. 32; *** 1/2) does what a television pilot is supposed to do: It piques the viewer's interest in what will happen next. But there's a...

Monday night's special one-hour episode of "Jon & Kate Plus 8" would have been shocking if the couple had announced they were ending the top-rated TLC cable show to work...

It's time to reach into the reader mailbag and answer a few of your burning questions. Please note that if you have a question for me, you can send it...