8-10 pm: American Idol.

Simon, Randy, and Crazy -- I mean, Paula Abdul -- continue their search for the next great American Idol. Tonight, the top 12 male contestants perform for their chance at pop credibility and probable future anonymity.

8 pm: Gilmore Girls.

Le sigh. I'm not sure why I am still watching this, as it's just so damn depressing to watch this once-great series continue to fall off the tracks. On tonight's episode ("I'm a Kayak, Hear Me Roar"), Lorelai is forced to tell her parents that her marriage to Christopher has fallen apart (surprise), while Emily imposes a teetotaler policy at Friday night dinners in order to help Richard recover from his heart attack. All in favor of ending this once great show, say aye.

9 pm: Veronica Mars.

YAY! Veronica *finally* returned (at least for a few weeks, before the dreaded Pussycat Dolls reality show knocks it off the schedule again) with new episodes. On tonight's installment ("Mars, Bars"), it's part two of a two-part episode in which Sheriff Lamb is forced to release Veronica from jail, an on-the-lam Josh tries to convince Veronica that he's being framed for his father's murder (and kidnaps Mason), and Logan joins Mac and Parker for a Valentine's Day scavenger hunt.

* * *

Jace's blog, Televisionary, can be found at televisionary.blogspot.com.