TV NIGHT

Ah, summer TV. If it weren't for HBO and baseball, I'd have it on only to catch the news here and there. Tonight, of course, I watched the only two shows I'm currently keeping track of - "Deadwood" and "Entourage."

How great has Gerald McRaney been on "Deadwood" this season? His George Hearst is menacing and idiosyncratic and polite and intelligent and more. Ian McShane has rightfully had award nominations and critical praise but next year's Emmys had better have McRaney up for an award or else. Well, I'll just shake my head one more time at the injustice of it all, I guess. Anyway, tonight's episode was great as usual. Death and schemes and comedy and the introduction of Wyatt and Morgan Earp, plus a powerful ending. Can't wait for next week.

"Entourage" is no slouch either. Tonight dealt with Ari's attempts to create a big new agency; Vincent's continual willingness to stand up for his principles against his better (monetary) interests; and Drama's big audition with Ed Burns. Good stuff. And next week? Vegas.

I was also shocked to see that we can watch the first episode of the new season of "The Wire" almost a week before it premieres via HBO On Demand. How cool is that? The question is, do I watch it that early and have to wait almost two weeks for another episode? Or do I watch in On Demand and then again when it airs? That show is always worth multiple viewings, as I mentioned a few days back.

Speaking of On Demand, I plan on checking out BBC America's "Life on Mars" at some point this week. I've heard good things.

Oh, and tonight is post #100 of this blog. Wonder if I can do the next 100 before the end of the year...