Critic's corner

By Matthew Gilbert, Globe Staff | January 25, 2008

RURAL 101

Gone Country

8 p.m., CMT
Oh me, oh my. And that Diana DeGarmo from "American Idol" was such a nice girl. Now she’s slumming with the D-list on this latest reality show about learning to be a country star. The cast of people who've signed up to live in a Nashville home and learn the ways of country music include Carnie Wilson, Maureen McCormick, Sisqo, Dee Snider, Julio Iglesias Jr., and the one and - thank God - only Bobby Brown.

Ugliest House on the Block

10 p.m., WE
But a very nice personality.

How to Look Good Naked

9 and 9:30 p.m., Lifetime
Have your birthday suit pressed.

Miss America Reality Check

10 p.m., TLC
Pinch me! I could be the next Mary Ann Mobley!

SMASH CLASH

Friday Night Lights

9 p.m., Channel 7
Last week, Smash and his white girlfriend, Noelle, encountered much racial flak. First, their parents openly discouraged their relationship. Then the couple were harassed while kissing at a movie. What, is this 1960? Tonight, Smash, played by Gaius Charles, deals with the fallout from that violent movie-theater incident. New episodes of "FNL" continue through Feb. 8, by the way.

Dog Whisperer

8 and 9 p.m., National Geographic
He's calm, assertive, and has experience with bulldogs. Cesar for president.

Desperate Housewives

9 p.m., Channel 5
Lynette's brownies are wasteful, to be blunt about it.

ON DEMAND

Sarafina!

Comcast
No ordinary musical, this one starring kids from Soweto is a beautiful juggernaut, more powerful on screen than on stage, singing a song of freedom without shying away from the fact that blacks as well as whites are poisoned by the murderous rage born of apartheid. The film is carried by the irresistible spirits of its cast, including Leleti Kumalo, Miriam Makeba, and Whoopi Goldberg. (PG-13; runs on Encore through Jan. 31)

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