television

Finding a high-quality scripted series on BET is about as likely as finding a smart comedy on MTV, WE or Travel Channel. It just doesn't happen.

Until now.

History Channel's "Sandhogs" (10 p.m. EDT Sunday) marks another entry in the Tough Guy TV genre popularized by Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch" and History's "Ice Road Truckers," but it began life as a two-hour documentary three years ago.

The players of "Entourage" -- usually the boys of summer -- are back for an atypical fall berth (10 p.m. EDT Sunday, HBO).

The Emmy-winning series hasn't been around with new episodes for almost a year. But the story has only moved about six months ahead since we last saw these characters.

The best late-night TV joke Wednesday might have been delivered by Sarah Palin.

"Do you know what the difference is between a hockey mom and a pit bull?" the Republican vice-presidential candidate asked during a speech that pushed well past prime time. "Lipstick."

Oh, how the mighty have fallen -- and in such a superb way.

Hot movie star Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier) had one major film flop during last season's "Entourage." Now, with the new season (beginning 10 p.m. EDT Sunday, Sept. 7, HBO), Vince's career is in the toilet.

The results make for one of the best-scripted points in the history of the series.

Finally! After one too many depressing snoozers (think: "Tell Me You Love Me" or "In Treatment"), HBO remembers how to attract viewers with "True Blood."

It's amazing how quickly groundbreaking becomes conventional. That's certainly true of TV's love affair with anti-heroes and morally ambiguous characters. Once upon a time, they were seldom seen. In the nine years since HBO's "The Sopranos" premiered, these rough-edged characters have become the norm.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- Reviving "Beverly Hills, 90210": Genius move or last-ditch measure by a low-rated, desperate network?

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. -- If you were to walk onto a soundstage at The Jim Henson Company studios and see performer Misty Rosas, clad in a black leotard-type outfit and wandering within a circle drawn on the floor with what looks like an inner tube around her waist, you might think she's gone 'round the bend.

"Sid the Science Kid" isn't the only addition to the children's-TV landscape this fall on PBS. Two other new shows are scheduled:

"Martha Speaks" (7:30 a.m. EDT weekdays, premiering Monday): Based on a book series by Susan Meddaugh, the Martha of the title is a dog who consumes alphabet soup that gives her the ability to speak like a human.