Critic's corner

By Matthew Gilbert, Globe Staff  |  January 4, 2008

9 p.m., Channel 7
Most shows are out of new episodes for the new year, due to the writers’ strike. But "Friday Night Lights" returns from the holidays with six unaired episodes, beginning tonight with an hour about a twister headed toward Dillon. Meanwhile, Tim Riggins, played with Southern swagger by Taylor Kitsch, settles into the Taylors' garage.

8 and 9 p.m., WE
Neighbors redo unto others.

8 p.m., Channel 7
"And the rest" guest stars. Yup, it's Dawn Wells.

8 p.m., Nickelodeon
Britney would probably kill to get the limelight back. Literally.

9 p.m., National Geographic
Ailing, abandoned, or aggressive animals who might otherwise be euthanized find a second chance at a Utah facility called Best Friends. This new show focuses on the dogs at the no-kill facility, which is located on 33,000 very picturesque acres of canyon country. The goal of the staff of veterinarians and trainers: to rehabilitate the dogs and find them loving homes.

8 p.m., Channel 25
A boned corpse. Victim cordon bleu?

8 p.m., Flix
Starring Brad Pitt's hair.

Comcast
Christopher Guest and his merry players (from left: Christopher Moynihan, Harry Shearer, Catherine O'Hara, and Parker Posey)deliver their fourth comic jamboree, about what happens when Oscar buzz overwhelms the production of an indie movie called "Home for Purim." A knowing jeremiad against the awards-season machine, the movie also makes explicit the lust for show-biz validation that has lurked in all of Guest's ensemble projects. As an insecure actress, O'Hara is a scary marvel. (PG-13; runs on HBO through Jan. 6) - Wesley Morris