A few notes after the jump, based on tonight's episode, and I welcome your comments. …

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Let me explain this illustration, after the jump …

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If you're wondering about rocker Robbie Carrico's boy-band past (mentioned but not detailed on tonight's "Idol"), maybe this pic from a fan site will ring a bell. More after the jump. ….

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In case you missed it in the print Beacon Journal or on Ohio.com, it's here. I would have liked to say more, but neither do I want to get in the spoiler game. Still, it was a really good start for the season, and I am sure we will have plenty to talk about once the episodes air.

Overview: Two nominations, for best supporting actress (Ruby Dee) and art direction. Notes, with possible plot spoilers, after the jump …

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I've been trying to muster some deep thought about the "American Idol" auditions in Omaha, but it wasn't a very interesting telecast — and sent relatively few people to Hollywood. But the blahs from that were made up for by "House," even if it was a Christmas episode airing off-season (since Fox obviously hoarded some episodes for later use if the strike dragged on — as it has). …

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It's been a bit of a crazy day. More about that another time. For now, though, this item from NBC:

NBC will present the exciting conclusion of the premiere season of "The Celebrity Apprentice" with a live season finale originating from New York City on Thursday, March 27th at 9-10 PM ET. As the outrageous season reaches its climactic and surprise conclusion, where one celebrity will be named the first celebrity apprentice, NBC and Donald Trump will bring the show back to 'The Big Apple' for a second season with another all-star celebrity lineup of candidates. The announcement was made today by Craig Plestis, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, Development and Specials, NBC Entertainment.

In making the announcement, Plestis said, "This revved up installment of "The Apprentice" has been a game changer for the series. As the rest of this season unfolds, you just keep watching, these episodes have been more thrilling than any season before. There were times when I was screaming at the TV set, literally, and the live finale will leave you on the edge of your seat. He added. "We are blown away by the casts drive, energy, and passion to not only play the game but also to raise a lot of money and awareness for important causes. There's no other show like it to prove your business brain and we are already getting calls from high-profile celebrities who want to challenge themselves in Season 2."

Official announcement today:

Judge Judy Sheindlin has signed a new multiyear deal with CBS Television Distribution to continue headlining her top-rated court show as JUDGE JUDY has been renewed through 2012, it was announced today by John Nogawski, President and COO of CTD.

This season, JUDGE JUDY is the only first-run syndicated show to grow year to year, up +7% in HH GAA% (7.5 vs. 7.0) and HH AA% (4.9 vs. 4.6). JUDGE JUDY tied its weekly season high with an 8.1 HH GAA% and set a season high in HH AA% with a 5.3 rating for the week ending January 13, the most recent week for which ratings are available. JUDGE JUDY’s 5.3 HH AA% is its highest-rated week in almost 3 years (since 2/27/05).

"In Treatment," the seductive new drama premiering tonight on HBO, is a big challenge for viewers and TV critics — or at least for viewers and critics who don't have the daytime drama habit. Like me. …

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I don't write much about daytime dramas, but this is a pretty big change in the way the long-running soap is made. Detailed announcement from Procter & Gamble, after the jump. …

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