What was on TV? Tues, Feb 1, 2005

20 years ago, 50 Cent took us to the Candy Shop for the first time. Let's see what was on TV.

8:00 Gilmore Girls on the WB

5x12 "Come Home"

Available on Hulu and Netflix

I initially liked Lane and Zach, and was surprised when I googled and found this was a wildly unpopular pairing. But now I get it. He demands she wear her glasses because people can't tell she's smart without them...he's never coming back from this. She should dump him, but I googled and I know that won't happen. What a bummer.

In happier news, Logan returns in this episode! He challenges Rory's self-image, which is something this show desperately needs, so his presence is always welcome.

9:00 House on Fox

1x09 "DNR" (record Scrubs on NBC)

Available on Hulu and Prime

This episode features Brandy Norwood as herself, all the better to tie the show to its blockbuster lead-in (Brandy was the guest judge on American Idol this week). The episode itself is very topical: it tackles right-to-die issues right as the Terri Schiavo case was about to reach the supreme court and freaking' Congress. It also provides a nice showcase for Omar Epps. Epps was a big get for this show: he had been a steady presence in movies over the past decade. Here, he is forced to take a leadership role on a very tough case and he rises to the challenge. He also learns some new things about his old mentor and learns to better appreciate his new mentor (House). Epps' last TV gig on ER involved a mentorship gone tragically wrong, so it's nice to see that this relationship will be more positive.

Late Night

Jay and Dave talked about Carson, now it was Conan's turn. He is very self-effacing, pointing out that he is the very last one to do this and that unlike Jay and Dave, he did not know Johnny personally. But ironically, his speech feels more personal than theirs. Jay and Dave prepared their remarks. Conan is clearly speaking off the cuff, unpacking his few fleeting encounters with Johnny, and showing the wall where he has Johnny's photo posted in the studio. It's very raw and emotional. You watch it and you just feel bad. It's going to hurt like a motherfucker when this guy gets and then loses the Tonight Show in five years.

TiVo Status

The Masterpiece Theater miniseries He Knew He Was Right and The Lost Prince. 8 hours total.