The contenderIt's still unclear who will replace Regis Philbin when he leaves "Live With Regis and Kelly" (9 a.m. Friday, KSTP, Ch. 5) in November, but one of the candidates is reportedly Mark Consuelos, who just happens to be Kelly Ripa's husband. Word of advice to Mr. Ripa: When you fill in Friday as co-host, don't flirt with guest Brooke Shields.
Weird scienceYoung pop stars could learn a thing or two from watching "'Weird Al' Yankovic Live! - The Alpocalypse Tour" (8 p.m. Saturday, Comedy). The veteran entertainer pours blood, sweat and jeers into every parody, enough that you don't have to admire the genius of "Amish Paradise" to appreciate the effort.
Murder he wrote"Dexter" (8 p.m. Sunday, Showtime) still hasn't recovered emotionally or creatively from John Lithgow's turn two seasons ago, but it gives a mighty try with a story line involving a menacing Edward James Olmos and a manipulated Colin Hanks. Plus, you'll never believe who the new squadron boss is.
Great DanesWhat a relief that Claire Danes is once again comfortable being a TV actress. Following her Emmy-winning role in HBO's "Temple Grandin" comes "Homeland" (9 p.m. Sunday, Showtime), a fascinating new series in which she plays a covert CIA officer who suspects that a recently recovered prisoner of war may be a spy. Danes gives a steely-eyed yet unpredictable performance that could very well land her again on Emmy's short list.
NEAL JUSTIN
