TV Jots

Secret Life Starts Sophomore Season

Basic and premium cable have upped the stakes and totally changed the face of television, especially during the historically bone-dry and boring summer months. So, to stay on top of the diverse offerings these days, TV Jots is increasing the frequency of Notable TV posts from weekly to daily on weekdays, when optimal, and once each weekend. Thanks for reading!

The Secret Life of the American Teenager | 8pm

The Big One: As the second season opens, Amy gradually adjusts to motherhood and all the diaper changes and midnight feedings it entails; Ben tries to fit into Amy’s life since Ricky is taking fatherhood seriously; Anne copes with learning she’s pregnant; Grace and Jack reboot their relationship; and one of the teens endures a surprising and life-changing tragedy.
[ABC Family, Season Two Premiere]

The Closer | 9pm

Red Tape: Uh-oh. Sergeant Gabriel is the subject of intense scrutiny when he shoots a murder suspect under suspicious circumstances, leading to the arrival of extra-special guest star Mary McDonnell (Battlestar Galactica, Dances with Wolves) as Captain Sharon Raydor, who investigates and soon ends up at odds with Brenda.
[TNT]

Make It or Break It | 9pm

Pilot: A new one-hour teen drama about girls competing in the high-stakes world of gymnastics. The show stars young thespians Chelsea Hobbs (The L Word), Ayla Kell (CSI: Miami), Josie Loren (Drake & Josh), Cassie Scerbo (Bring It On: In It to Win It), and Zachary Burr Abel (The Secret Life of the American Teenager). Hope it does better than recent frosh sitcoms Roommates and Sophie.
[ABC Family, Series Premiere]

Raising the Bar | 10pm

The Curious Case of Kellerman’s Button: It doesn’t get Closer-sized ratings, but this legal drama is still an entertaining watch. Up next, Jerry gets on the bad side of Judge Farnsworth when he’s late for court and then proceeds to try to one-up the man on the bench (not a good idea, I tell ya). Also, Richard and Roz argue a black man’s homophobia hate crime case against Marcus, who’s eventually influenced by his new politically connected girlfriend Amelia Mkali (CSI: Miami’s Megalyn Echikunwoke).
[TNT]

Weeds | 10pm

Su-Su-Sucio: Nancy’s estranged older sister Jill (film actress Jennifer Jason Leigh) visits out of the blue just when her doctor recommends she decrease the stress in her life. The advice is for nothing, though, because Nancy and family end up fleeing for safer environs when Esteban’s bodyguard goes missing while assigned to her. And, the bad luck just keeps on coming for our favorite single-mom dope dealer.
[Showtime]

Nurse Jackie | 10:30pm

Chicken Soup: The latest patient to check into New York City’s All-Saints Hospital? An extremely misguided and much too hopeful senior who’s been treating his heart condition with — Oh, boy! — chicken soup. That’s a folk remedy I’ve never heard of before. Please, don’t try it at home.
[Showtime]