This Week in Television - Nov. 29-Dec. 3, 2010

Glee
The worst Glee episodes are the ones without Sue Sylvester. Not just because Sue is awesome, but because in her absence they tend to fill the time with even more of that high school relationship drama crap. This was one of those episodes. And it was Sectionals too, there should have been more tension and urgency and epic performances, but there weren't. Especially not from The Warblers, who were mediocre and only tied New Directions so the writers could have Kurt at Regionals. And why was there a club of old people? Yeah, last year's Sectionals was a much better episode. At least I got a laugh out of the song selection - Mr. Schue loves his 80's music!

Running Wilde
I didn't really laugh at this episode until the last few minutes, when a ridiculously blond-haired Fa'ad and Jonathan from 30 Rock were pretending to be doctors. Almost turned into an inside joke when Steve claimed not to have heard of 30 Rock when Will Arnett has made several guest appearances on it.

Survivor: Nicaragua
I know Jeff Probst hates quitters, and I can understand that, but it was still unnecessary for him to rub it in their faces and humiliate them further. They know it's embarrassing and the audience can form their own opinions about it without Probst telling the viewer to hate them. But, you know, he's probably going to win Best Reality Host again at the next Emmys. But I can't say it wasn't nice to see Naonka leave after all her smack talk and bragging that she was going to win.

Community
Not being part of the drinking scene, I can't say this episode resonated with me, but it did have its moments (Pierce trying to cut the birthday cake, Shirley's drunken past that was no doubt an inside joke stemming from the season 1 commentaries). And it's nice to see them using Annie a little more this season, because last year she was often a little too straight to have anything funny to do, but this week and the previous episode have showcased Alison Brie's comedic talents better. But Troy and Abed were right when they said, respectively, "Alcohol makes people sad" and "This is a really dark chapter in our group's story," because this episode was more about putting the characters in depressing situations than making us laugh. Luckily I love the characters, and the fact that Community can do something completely different each week and still be great.

30 Rock
Even though Jenna and Paul's relationship is a weird one, it was the perfect situation for both of them since they're both obsessed with Jenna. I actually kind of felt sorry for them when they broke up, although it was necessary because obviously Will Forte can't stick around forever. Loved Jack putting down (twice) men with curly hair and people who need glasses as lesser beings. Not necessarily saying I agree, just thought it was funny. Tracy's fake son's ideas were also funny due to being so shady and stupid, but the best part was Liz at the end, having the "chain reaction of mental anguish" come back to her via the dude in the Godzilla costume. "DAMN YOU, GODZIRRAAAAAA!"

The Office
After some sub-par episodes, I really liked this one. I always liked Oscar though, because he is probably the most normal and sensible person in the office, and maybe it's not such a bad thing for him to correct everyone because most of the people there are either dumb or crazy. Andy is coming off as a lonely guy, clinging to Darryl the way he stalked Michael when he first arrived in season 3. Always funny to see Dwight's failure to understand and/or care about how to please people, but I think my favourite moment was Erin's unfounded suspicion that they hired her so they could kill her and collect her life insurance, followed by Michael's reaction to it.

Fringe
Very cool episode. I love how each week the opening titles have been telling us which universe we're going to see, and this week even the credits switched back and forth because that was the format. I liked that the previous episode was a set-up for "Foyles" to help our Olivia get home (I had a minor fear that he might turn her in after being suspicious of her FBI comment). Peter was in the zone this episode, testing Fauxlivia and the shapeshifter for their identities and taking swift action when they failed. As was Walter for coining the term "vagenda". But now that both Olivias are back, the only loose thread is the crazy doomsday device, which I'm honestly not that interested in at the moment, but I hope they'll work on it.

Hero of the Week: Peter from Fringe. Walter is generally awesomer, but Peter was cool this week.

Douchebag of the Week: Jeff Probst from Survivor again. I don't care if everyone else is hating on the quitters, the dude is not nice.