The resurgence of PARKS AND RECREATION continued last night with a hilarious Halloween themed instalment that had Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope matching wits with 15-year old teenage hooligan named Greg Pikitis. Not only did Pikitis — or as we’re calling him, the most diabolical teenaged vandal since the heydays of one Bart Simpson — provide for an eerily perfect foil for Knope, his shenanigans managed to give hilarious co-stars Louis CK and Chris Pratt some much deserved time in the spotlight. So much so that we’re really hoping this little trick-or-treat-battle-of-wits becomes a PARKS AND RECREATION annual tradition.

Putting aside the fact that this TV Addict is fairly confident I’m the only person in North America who didn’t know who Jeff Dunham was until last night, nobody does road trips like 30 ROCK. Be it a plane trip with hallucinogenic Oprah, Liz’s High School reunion or last night’s talent search that had Liz and Jack travelling to Kenneth’s home-town of ‘Small Town USA,’ last night’s 30 ROCK was a barrel of laughs. With bonus points for an always hilarious Jenna spoiling five season of LOST mythology mere months before all will be revealed, “You know, I met J.J. Abrams once. And I don’t know what this means, but he said the island is just Hurley’s dream.”

And speaking of LOST, if it’s wrong to be this excited for a fifteen second trailer featuring absolutely no new footage, I don’t want to be right.

Sitting in fourth place among the major five broadcast networks — failing to develop a hit since HEROES debuted in 2006 (itself a short-lived victory as the drama’s ratings tumbled quickly thereafter) — it’s no secret that NBC is in dire straits.

So far, the big ‘Jay Leno Experiment’ has only drawn negative results, either performing poorly (though NBC says it’s lower ratings can be afforded by how cheap it is to produce), or diminishing what relative strength the network’s other programs possess (LAW & ORDER: SVU, a longtime steady performer, is sinking in its earlier timeslot).  

And now there’s news that Comcast, the largest cable television provider in the United States, is in talks with parent company General Electric to acquire its entertainment division. Could this be NBC’s bailout? I mean, isn’t there something to be said about a once illustrious network that previously commanded the airwaves is now being threatened by a half-baked vampire drama?  

More importantly, who gives a damn and why should you care? Ah, it’s because without its network overlords’ turmoil and perfidiousness, 30 ROCK, wouldn’t have nearly as much fodder for its satiric spoofing, many of which hit high comedic points in the first two episodes of the its fourth season, premiering tonight (9:30PM on NBC, CityTV in Canada).  

And that’s really the show’s only true weakness: many of its gut-laughs are contingent on you knowing who they’re ridiculing, which is great for in-the-moment, topical jokes, but gives the show almost no longevity – if you were to watch 30 ROCK 10 years from now, would half of it still be funny?  

Time will tell, but this week and the next are a welcome return for the comedy, which looks to stand on its own after the heat from last year’s election (and Fey’s Palin wig) has faded, and so far it seems aptly prepared: Liz (Tina Fey, who penned the premiere) is under orders from whispery net exec Jack (the impeccable, gallivanting Alec Baldwin) to hire a new cast member for her SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE-like sketch show to help connect with the “real America.” (“We’ll trick those racecar-lovin’ wide-loads into watching your lefty, homoerotic propaganda hour yet!”) 

After her Janis Joplin (ne, Jackie Jormp Jomp, because they couldn’t get the life rights, and because how else would they’re be a cutaway to a scene at “Woodstocks,” where Jackie belts, “One day there’ll be a black president!”)  biopic flops, Jenna (the undervalued Jane Krakowski) is cast (well, Victoria Beckham dropped out) as a “moon scientist” in a Twilight cum TRUE BLOOD knockoff about werewolves – set in Iceland (“for tax reasons”). 

Slightly inebriated loose cannon Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) is after Liz for her Dealbreakers book, a collection of Liz’s declaration about what makes or breaks a relationship, which gets him in trouble with his wife and because “a book hasn’t cost [him] so much trouble since Where’s Waldo went to that barbershop factory.”
And after Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) accidentally receives Jack’s bonus check, he leads his fellow pages to go on the most hilarious strike yet: outside the 30 Rock building, they picket and chant, “What do we want? To get you sandwiches! When do we want it? Whenever it would be convenient for you!” 

But next week is truly the gold goose, where Jack is forced to travel to Washington “after your President, who by the way is Kenyan and smokes cigarettes, […] created an industry task force for microwaves and small appliances.” It’s funny not because he’s deluded himself into thinking that the “American love affair with the microwave oven has cooled since its post-war heyday,” but because it allows another great appearance from Will Arnett, who plays Jack’s rival Devon Banks (whom were told is a veiled imitation of NBC honcho Ben Silverman) with sneering glee.  

The tag at the end of the episode is shocking, potentially dangerous, and so purely representative of what kind of great comedy 30 ROCK is. I’ll let you experience it yourself (a hint: Fey herself alluded to it in 30 ROCK’s acceptance speech for its third Best Comedy Emmy: “We want to thank our friends at NBC […] for keeping us on the air even though we are so much more expensive than a talk show.”), but no other show is sharp enough to get away with staring its maker straight in the face and deliver a sourly kiss-off. Grade: A-

SMALLVILLE (8PM CW)
When Tess and Lois clash, expect the unexpected. The eight-season finale also features Oliver stepping in when Clark seems kinda reluctant to kill Doomsday.

PARKS & RECREATION (8:30PM NBC, 9PM CityTV in Canada)
Frankly, I don’t think you should be able to tout something as a “season” finale unless you’ve aired at least 13 episodes, but hey, that’s just me. Anyway, this disappointing series — which managed to pick up a renewal for no reason other than it’s pedigree — wraps up with Andy’s first gig since he broke his legs in the pit. (That probably means something to the four of you still watching.)

GREY’S ANATOMY (9PM ABC, CTV in Canada)
The two-hour, fifth-season finale might just as well be called “Will They Or Won’t They?” as Izzie decides whether to have surgery, Mark decides what to do with Lexie and Bailey finds out whether or not she’ll be accepted into a pediatrics fellowship.

THE OFFICE (9PM NBC, Global in Canada)
The wildly-uneven fifth season wraps on a high note if only because it marks the return of Amy Ryan as Holly, the one woman who managed to make Michael seem like a human being.

30 ROCK (9:30PM NBC, CityTV in Canada)
Why do I love this show so? Because somehow, despite her legendary status as a loser in love, Liz Lemon manages to close out season three as a “relationship expert.”

SUPERNATURAL (9PM CW)
If it’s the fourth-season finale, that must mean the apocalypse is here! Sam and Dean deal with Lucifer… and Ruby helps one of the boys try to destroy Lilith. Talk about your jam-packed agendas!

NEW & NOTABLE:
BONES (8PM FOX, 10PM Global in Canada)
The entire team falls under suspicion after someone is murdered at a nightclub. But the real mystery here is how the heck Motley Crue wound up guest gigging! This could be intriguing. (Click here for video)

MY NAME IS EARL (8PM NBC)
In the fourth-season finale — and in other news, Holy Crap, this show has been on four years? — Earl tries to find Dodge’s daddy. I haven’t seen this show since early in season two. How’s it holding up, faithful readers?

SURVIVOR (8PM CBS, Global in Canada)
Anybody else kinda shocked that Coach is still in this? Tonight, he has to work hard to avoid elimination, and Erinn makes a careless slip of the tongue that could put her in hot water as well.

CSI (9PM CBS, 8PM CTV in Canada)
Rare poker chips are at the heart of an investigation, and Ray faces a crisis after he has to use lethal force for the first time. (Having written that description, I now want to go gamble after killing a co-worker.)

HELL’S KITCHEN (9PM FOX, 10PM Global in Canada)
The two remaining chef’s battle it out and a winner is determined.

SOUTHLAND (9PM NBC)
It’s all fun and games — and jewel thievery — until one of your rich friends is a victim, right Ben? Meanwhile, Bryant takes Janilla under his wing until the trial starts.

BEING ERICA (10PM SOAPnet)
The first-season finale finds Erica revisiting her brother’s death. Hey, while she’s at the cemetary, maybe she could toss a few flowers onto the graves of the soap opera genre that this network seems determined to kill!

FASHION SHOW (10PM Bravo)
The designers work on two styles, one on a budget and one without. Wonder which one guest judge Tinsley Mortimer would wind up wearing? (Am I the only one who has no clue who this Tinsley person is, save for the occasional GOSSIP GIRL reference?)

SYBIL (10PM Lifetime)
If you missed the original broadcast of this remake — starring Jessica Lange and Tammy Blanchard — here’s another chance to instead go out and rent the far-superior original, which starred Sally Field.

CSI: NY (10PM CBS)
A kidnapping turns deadly when one of the CSI team is killed and another is seriously wounded. Oh, yeah, this is definitely a season finale.

SOUTHERN BELLES: LOUISVILLE (11PM SOAPnet)
Oh, look, it’s the supposed soap opera channel taking yet another chance to pre-empt the dramas that are their bread and butter for a cheap knock-off of a reality genre. Heck, here it’s not even an actual episode, but a preview of the show… and that same preview will run again at 11:30 p.m. Trust us: these Belle’s ain’t got nothing on the various HOUSEWIVES that Bravo has turned into a successful franchise.

PARKS AND RECREATION (8:30PM NBC, 9PM City in Canada)
Leslie makes a lasting impression at a banquet honoring her mom. Not a good one, mind you…

GREY’ S ANATOMY (9PM ABC, CTV in Canada)
Remember when the Chief’s niece was hospitalized before her prom back in season 2? Tonight, it’s a group of college students who wind up at Seattle Grace following a car accident that occurs on the way to their graduation ceremony. On, and there’s much, much talk of Meredith and Derek’s upcoming wedding.

THE OFFICE (9PM NBC, Global in Canada)
You know, if there’s one person on this planet you’d expect not to know that disco is dead, it’s Michael Scott. Tonight, he proves that to be the case by bringing dance music to the office.

SUPERNATURAL (9PM CW)
The apocalypse is coming! The apocalypse is coming! Unfortunately, Sam’s kinda tied up, what with having to detox from demon blood and all.

30 ROCK (9:30PM NBC, City in Canada)
Jack searches for his fathereven as Tracy introduces everyone to his own illegitimate son. And Jenna? Well, she’s busy taking credit for an idea that was actually hatched by Liz.

MICHAEL J FOX: ADVENTURES OF AN INCURABLE OPTIMIST (10PM ABC)
The beloved actor explores the nature of optimisim.

NEW & NOTABLE:
SMALLVILLE (8PM CW)
Tess and Plastique round up a bunch of meteor freaks to try and find Davis. But you just know Tess is up to no good. Two little words: Double. Cross.

BONES (8PM FOX)
Congratulations, you sly devils! After years of nearly luring me in with your clever commercials and witty banter, you’ve finally seduced me into trying an episode thanks to the clever casting of Stewie Griffin of FAMILY GUY.

MY NAME IS EARL (8PM NBC)
What happened to the Crab Shack’s owner? Tonight, the case is cracked… with the help of Geraldo Rivera. (Wait… so Ernie’s been hanging in a big ol’ empty, overpublicized vault all this time?)

SURVIVOR (8PM CBS, Global in Canada)
Ugh, bring on the waterworks: It’s the annual episode where the contestants receive video messages from their loved ones. Meanwhile, Debbie has a very sharp knife that she’d like to plunge into Coach’s back. Will there be yet another blindside at tribal council?

CSI (9PM CBS, CTV in Canada)
An undercover cop is murdered by a vicious motorcycle gang after his identity is leaked. And of course, as usual, someone invovled in the case has a connection to the team.

HELL’S KITCHEN (9PM FOX)
They haven’t picked a winner yet? Apparently not. The final two chefs compete to see who’ll be working as the head chef of a restaurant in Atlantic City’s Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. (For the record, the Borgata is the closest thing Atlantic City has to Las Vegas, and I’m looking forward to sampling the food of whoever-the-heck wins during a visit later this month!)

MY BIG BRESTS AND ME (9PM BBC America)
Three women talk about… well, I’m betting you can finish that sentence all by yourselves.

FASHION SHOW (10PM Bravo)
A group of designers squres off in fashion-themed events and… hey, wait a minute. This sounds awfully familiar. Oh, hell, it’s been ages and we need our PROJECT RUNWAY fix, so we’ll give it a try.

PARKS AND RECREATION (8PM ABC, City in Canada)
Andy (Chris Pratt) plans a surprise for Ann (Rashida Jones). One which probably doesn’t involve picking up and moving to a small Colorado town called Everwood. But hey, a TV Addict can dream, can’t he?

THE OFFICE (9PM NBC, Global in Canada)
While we’re not really sure what to expect from the denizens of Dunder Mifflin on “Casual Friday,” we’re kinda hoping it involves Dwight Schrute and some sort of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA Raptor uniform. So say we all?

GREY’S ANATOMY (9PM ABC, CTV in Canada)
Sharon Lawrence continues to corner the market on unstable TV moms (see: PRIVILEGED, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES and HIDDEN PALMS) by dropping by Seattle Grace to check up on her daughter Izzie.

30 ROCK (9:30PM NBC, City in Canada)
Do you really need to know anything else outside of the fact that tonight’s episode has Jenna adopting a monkey? If so here are two more reasons why tonight’s 30 ROCK is the very definition of must see TV: Elaine Stritch returns with nasty memories of Jack’s father and Steve Buscemi guest stars.

PRIVATE PRACTICE (10PM ABC, “A” in Canada)
PRIVATE PRACTICE’s much improved second season concludes with so many questions up in the air (Will Naomi leave Oceanside? Will Violet choose Pete or Sheldon? Will Addison sort our her feelings for Noah?) that we’re already cleaning our floor in anticipation of our jaw dropping down to it.

NEW & NOTABLE:
BONES (8PM ABC, City in Canada)
Even though Frannie does tend to get somewhat extreme, we’re going to go ahead and file this under plots you’ll never see on ABC Family’s GREEK when Booth and Brennan investigate the body of a fraternity member that is found inside the costume of a rival university mascot.

CSI (9PM CBS, 8PM CTV in Canada)
Eerily spooky coincidence or just really bad timing? You be the judge when the CSI team investigates random deaths throughout the city that may-or-may-not be linked to a mysterious outbreak of swine flu.

SUPERNATURAL (9PM CW)
Castiel visits Dean in a dream. Which is just what those SUPERNATURAL fan fiction writers need… more material!

PARKS AND RECREATION (8:30PM NBC, CityTV in Canada)
Leslie invites a reporter to cover her park project, but the resulting article isn’t what she had in mind. You know, kind of like the early reviews for PARKS AND RECREATION.

SUPERNATURAL (9PM CW)
Getting our vote for the best episode title of the season (and there’s been no shortage of great ones courtesy of Kripke) comes “Jump the Shark,” which features Sam and Dean agreeing to meet with a 19 year old man named Adam who claims to be John Winchester’s long lost son.

GREY’S ANATOMY (9PM ABC, CTV in Canada)
George, who we’re fairly sure has clocked, like what, four minutes of screen time this season outshines Alex in trauma surgery. Awkward.

30 ROCK (9:30PM NBC, CityTV in Canada)
Good News: Liz goes engagement ring shopping. Bad News: With Jack, who is considering taking his relationship with Elisa (Salma Hayek) to the next level.

SOUTHLAND (10PM NBC, CTV in Canada)
In a bizarre case of art imitating life, famous actor Tom Sizemore plays famous actor Tom Sizemore who finds himself, you guessed it, in trouble with the law; Proving (a) Either Sizemore has a sense of humor, or (b) Sizemore really needs a paycheck.

PRIVATE PRACTICE (10PM ABC, “A” in Canada)
No good deed goes unpunished when Pete’s popularity takes a hit with the wonderful Lisa (Idina Menzel) as a result of Violet’s pregnancy.

PARKS & RECREATION (8:30PM NBC, CityTV in Canada)
The pilot didn’t blow me away, but I’m willing to give another shot to anything that puts Amy Pohler on the screen. Tonight, her alter ego, Leslie, goes door-to-door in the hope of building support for her latest project.

THE OFFICE (9PM NBC)
This show has taken a very unfunny turn of late, but one thing that definitely works is the relationship between Jim and Charles. It’s easy to see how the behavior we’ve found charming in Jim over the years would be viewed completely differently by a corporate type. Tonight, Dwight decides to become Charles’ new best bud.

30 ROCK (9:30PM NBC, CityTV in Canada)
With film execs considering pulling the plugs on Jenna’s Janis Joplin project, she and Jack work to stir up some buzz. And Liz? She’s going a little bit nuts thanks to her forced suspension.

HARPER’S ISLAND (10PM CBS, Global in Canada)
The wedding party goes on a scavenger hunt, but what they’re likely to find is another body! This fun romp is officially my favorite show of the spring season. (At least until GLEE launches in May!)

SOUTHLAND (10PM NBC, CTV in Canada)
An abandoned baby stirs up memories of the past in Lydia, while Bryant and Moretta take unusual steps to protect a young woman.

NEW & NOTABLE:
MY NAME IS EARL (8PM NBC)
Joy’s bullying takes center stage as Randy tries to avoid it and Earl reflects on his own childhood experiences with a meanie.

ALL MY CHILDREN (8PM SOAPnet)
If it’s Thursday, it must be Kendall’s day to declare Ryan the love of her life. Friday will be Zach’s day and next Tuesday she’ll give Petey the eye.

SURVIVOR (8PM CBS, Global in Canada)
We’re intrigued by the title of tonight’s episode: “The Biggest Fraud In The Game.” Who might it be referring to? Expect details to unfold after a trio of contestants share an off-site reward together.

BONES (8PM FOX)
The Jeffersonian team dives (somewhat reluctantly) into the death-metal scene after finding out that a band in Norway has been using an actual human skull during their performances.

SAMANTHA WHO? (8:30PM ABC)
What happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas for Sam, who winds up losing bigtime. Meanwhile, best-sidekicks-ever Andrea and Dena ask favors of one another.

CSI (9PM CBS, CTV in Canada)
I’m not a big fan of this show, but I’ll admit it: The intriguing commercial for this episode — in which Hodges and Wendy investigate the death of a beloved sci fi actor — reeled me in. It just looks like a hoot and a half. That’s right, I said hoot and a half.

HELL’S KITCHEN (9PM FOX,)
I might watch this with the sound off if only because the remaining chef’s are heading to Atlantic City’s Borgata hotel, which is one of my favorite places. I don’t wanna hear Gordon screaming, but I’d like to see the restaurant the winner will wind up cooking at.