Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Good morning, my friends. It’s hump day.

Here’s to that… and the TV that will carry us into the latter half of the week.

Peep the episodes on tap…

The Middle | 8pm on ABC
“Foreign Exchange”
Frankie convinces Mike and the kids that the Heck family should host a foreign exchange student from Japan to expose him to life in an average American family. But the Hecks become frustrated when the student shows no sign of interest whatsoever in the family.

Survivor: Nicaragua | 8pm on CBS
“Worst Case Scenario”
One of the game’s most prominent masterminds targets two foes and sets a plan in motion to oust one of them, along with an immunity idol, in one of the most memorable tribal councils of the season.

Undercovers | 8pm on NBC
“Not Without My Daughter”
Steven and Samantha are to find Shin Won, a North Korean physicist responsible for inventing a device that can change an object’s state of matter, and facilitate his defection. Shin Won is attending the Particle Physics Symposium in Geneva, Switzerland, where Steven and Samantha go undercover to locate the scientist and bring him to the U.S. Things aren’t so simple when Shin Won refuses to leave unless they get his daughter out of North Korea.

America’s Next Top Model | 8pm on The CW
“Francesco Carrozzini”
During this week’s challenge the girls head over to The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles where Neil Portman, President and CEO of The Recording Academy, reveals that one of them will be chosen to be a “Grammy Girl” during The 2011 Grammy Awards. During this week’s photo shoot the models portray an iconic fashion designer for photographer Francesco Carrozzini, who is also the guest judge. [GMMR: Any guesses on whom the iconic fashion designer might be?]

Better With You | 8:30pm on ABC
“Better With Little Buddy”
Maddie thinks the best way to get someone to do something is to make them think it was their idea. She makes a deal with Ben to see if he can make Vicky think that it’s really her idea to stop sending frivolous emails to his workplace. Meanwhile, after the ultrasound, Mia has trouble convincing father-to-be Casey that their romantic activities will not harm their baby, so Maddie suggests Mia find some way to make Casey see her as the sexy woman he fell in love with. [GMMR: Thoughts on how this one is fitting into ABC’s killer comedy lineup?]

Modern Family | 9pm on ABC
“Unplugged”
oticing that everyone is too busy on their electronic devices to actually interact with one another, Claire and Phil declare a family challenge to see who can stay unplugged the longest. Meanwhile, it’s a race against the clock as Mitchell and Cameron frantically try to get Lily into the best pre-schools, and Jay and Manny are concerned about how far Gloria will go to alleviate their problem with the neighbor’s barking dog.

Law & Order: SVU | 9pm on NBC
“Branded”
When detectives Benson and Stabler investigate a brutal attack on an unassuming, upstanding father (guest star Michael Gladis), they find he’s also been branded on his chest with a wire coat hanger. Before long, another victim turns up (guest star Kevin Alejandro) who has suffered the same injuries. Once they track down the suspect, some startling memories surface that completely change the course of the case.

Criminal Minds | 9pm on CBS
“Safe Haven”
The BAU team is on the trail of a serial killer targeting families throughout the Midwest. Meanwhile, Morgan is concerned when Ellie runs away from her foster family and pays him a visit.

Cougar Town | 9:30pm on ABC
“Keeping Me Alive”
Bobby decides it’s time for him to stop relying on Jules’ financial help, but when she discovers what he’s given up, she comes up with a plan to continue supporting him; Ellie thinks she’s the smartest member of the cul-de-sac crew, but the gang is determined to prove her wrong; Laurie and Smith break up.

Terriers | 10pm on FX
“Missing Persons”
Hank and Britt help an amnesiac college student with the case of his missing identity. [GMMR: How good is this show, you guys?]

The Whole Truth | 10pm on ABC
“Perfect Witness”
The testimony of a special needs kid is Kathryn’s only hope at winning her case. Meanwhile Jimmy defends a guy from his old neighborhood.

Law & Order: Los Angeles | 10pm on NBC
“Sylmar”
When a meth lab explosion kills two young girls, Detectives Winters and Jaruszalski expect a relatively easy investigation. Unfortunately, the case takes a couple twists. First the detectives discover another potential target, then DDA Dekker finds himself in a battle over jurisdiction.

The Defenders | 10pm on CBS
“Nevada v. Senator Harper”
Nick and Pete are shocked when their client, a state senator, is charged with the kidnapping and burglary of his mistress in the midst of a divorce case. Meanwhile, Pete defends an attractive cabana girl from accusations of assault and battery.

Top Chef: Just Desserts | 10pm on Bravo
“Black and White”
In this challenge, the pastry chefs attend a party, where everything is in black and white, including the desserts the chefs have to create.

Thoughts? What will YOU be watching tonight and DVR’ing for later in the week?