TV critic's picks: Wednesday

Jane Lynch shows to advantage in "Best in Show."

July 13, 2010 at 9:33PM
Jane Lynch, left, plays ace dog handler Christy Cummings in Christopher Guest's "Best in Show," showing a dog for owner Sherri Ann Ward Cabot, played by Jennifer Coolidge.
Jane Lynch, left, plays ace dog handler Christy Cummings in Christopher Guest’s “Best in Show,” showing a dog for owner Sherri Ann Ward Cabot, played by Jennifer Coolidge. (Castle Rock)

Going to the dogs "Glee" breakout star Jane Lynch is finally and firmly in the spotlight, but she should have gotten all this attention 10 years ago, thanks to her contributions to "Best in Show" (7 p.m., TVG), Christopher Guest's largely improvised tribute to dog pageants. You'll also enjoy Fred Willard's drop-dead hilarious take on an overly enthusiastic commentator.

Favre fever Brett Favre may take time away from tossing passes with high school students to attend the "2010 ESPY Awards" (8 p.m., ESPN), since he's been nominated in three categories. Other nominees with Minnesota connections: skier Lindsey Vonn, Joe Mauer and the Minnesota Twins for their victory over the Detroit Tigers in last season's 163rd game. Seth Meyers hosts.

Cave man Archaeologist Zahi Hawass is scary enough to wake the dead, which should come in handy since his job is "Chasing Mummies" (9 p.m., History), a new reality series that pretends to be about archaeology, but based on the first episode seems more about the filmmaker trying to make sure his primary subject doesn't attack him with a pickax. If "American Idol" is looking for another opinionated, insulting foreigner to replace Simon Cowell, they should consider this guy.

about the writer

about the writer

Neal Justin

Critic / Reporter

Neal Justin is the pop-culture critic, covering how Minnesotans spend their entertainment time. He also reviews stand-up comedy. Justin previously served as TV and music critic for the paper. He is the co-founder of JCamp, a non-profit program for high-school journalists, and works on many fronts to further diversity in newsrooms.

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