1. The CBC. I spent the past two weeks traveling across Canada and came away more impressed than ever by its state-run broadcasting service. Imagine NBC if it had separate newscasts for Maine, New York, Texas, Missouri, California and Alaska ... plus two all-news channels and multiple public-radio networks ... in two languages. Is this why Canadians vote in larger percentages than we do?
2. "Testees." Steve Markle and Jeff Kassel play perpetually broke roommates who get by lending their bodies to science for some definitely bleeding-edge experimental drugs. Debuting at 9:30 p.m. CT Thursday on FX, this creation of Kenny Hotz, who hails from Toronto along with the co-stars, is a hoot and a half. It's definitely not for the whole family, or anyone who gets even slightly queasy walking into the doctor's office.
3. Ali Velshi. CNN's other business anchor (the one who's not anti-immigration) was mocked last May by Jon Stewart as the "hairless prophet of doom," but Velshi was more right than not. During the past two weeks critics sniped at Velshi for openly advocating a bailout bill and declaring that "we have to lubricate the credit market." Again he was vindicated. Did I mention he's Canadian?
...AND WHAT'S NOT
1. Late-night baseball. I don't care if the major leagues are experiencing record attendance; it's self-sabotaging to be starting games at 8:35 p.m. on school nights (that's 11:05 p.m. in Newfoundland), as MLB did during the first round of the playoffs.
2. The real Gwen Ifill problem. Despite being vetted by both sides and her track record as a fair interviewer, PBS's Ifill suddenly became an issue before the Palin-Biden debate last week because of her "Age of Obama" book. The real issue is: Why is the only journalist invited to the only debate between the people a potential heartbeat away from the presidency not allowed to ask a follow-up question?
3. "Mad Men" apathy. It's having a terrific, buzzworthy sophomore season. It just won television's highest honor. And yet, ratings actually went down the week after it won the Emmy for best drama. And to think AMC spent $25 million promoting "Mad Men" this year. Don Draper would appreciate the irony.
