Needs more salt Marco Pierre White may have helped teach Gordon Ramsay how to cook, but he can't hold a candle to him in the department of spicy personalities. White, considered England's first celebrity chef, doesn't give us much reason to order up "The Chopping Block" (7 p.m., KARE, Ch. 11), a reality series that's too much like "Hell's Kitchen." White may have done it all first, but that doesn't mean he does it better.

Goin' South I'm not sure what the 13th-season opener of "South Park" (9 p.m., Comedy) will be ridiculing. Heck, I'm not even sure the show's writers knew until two days ago. One thing I can predict: If anyone can find a way to skewer President Obama, it's these guys. Here's some food for thought: Does Cartman grow up to be ... Rush Limbaugh?

NEAL JUSTIN

Life goes on ABC might have jumped the gun in saying that "Life on Mars" (9 p.m., KSTP, Ch. 5) won't be returning next season. They should have waited to see the ratings on tonight's episode, which features two compelling guests: Gina Gershon and Mark-Linn Baker, the straight man from "Perfect Strangers." We now do the happy dance!