Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Thursday, December 12. All times are Eastern.
TOP PICK
Scandal (ABC, 10 p.m.): Remember when we said last week was the midseason finale? We were wrong. Tonight is the midseason finale, “A Door Marked Exit.” There’s almost no information about this one online—except that “everyone will have to face the consequences of their actions” and guest stars are “to be announced.” This third season of Scandal has been inconsistent and a little unfocused—that B613 plot weighs down the frothy, insane tone of the show. But maybe now that Olivia’s mother is on a plane and Quinn is about to kill Rowan (or something), Scandal will be able to go out for the winter break with a bang. Because of the Winter Olympics, Scandal is taking a longer break than usual. Come hang out with Sonia Saraiya tonight and bid it farewell.
REGULAR COVERAGE
The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 8 p.m.): On a very special episode of The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon goes away to Texas, and the gang reminsces about how much he’s changed their lives for the better. Oliver Sava was certain they were going to plot to be rid of him, but apparently, that’s not the case.
The Vampire Diaries (The CW, 8 p.m.): “Fifty Shades Of Grayson” is a title that makes us uncomfortable, but as far as Carrie Raisler can tell, no bondage erotica is planned for tonight’s episode of The Vampire Diaries. Elena, however, will be exploring Whitmore College. Ooh, kinky!
Reign (CW, 9 p.m.): Nostradamus tells Mary that someone close to her will die, which, obviously, these people live in the early Renaissance, they all gon’ die. Genevieve Valentine rolls her eyes at us.
The Returned (Sundance, 9 p.m.): Camille is accused of being dangerous, and Pierre assumes a leadership role with the Outstretched Hand community. Erik Adams will settle for a role managing the pinky finger.
White Collar (USA, 9 p.m.): “Neal searches for a T-Rex skeleton and its egg at the Natural History Museum.” Kenny Herzog enjoys a good Jurassic Park crossover.
The Michael J. Fox Show (NBC, 9:30 p.m.): Michael has to work on Christmas Eve, which puts a wrench in his holiay plans. And Eve becomes intrigued by Judaism after attending a Hanukkah party, which is unfortunate, because Hanukkah ended a week ago. Robert David Sullivan sympathizes—calendars are hard for him, too.
Elementary (CBS, 10 p.m.): Holmes consideres sponsoring a fellow recovering addict, which is the cutest plotline in the history of everything. Myles McNutt might shed a single tear, but only if Holmes does, first.