Critic's corner

By Matthew Gilbert, Globe Staff  |  September 8, 2008

9 p.m., MSNBC
Rachel Maddow has done a great job filling in for Keith Olbermann during his vacations, and beginning tonight, just in time for the final months of the presidential campaign, she'll have her own nightly political series. By the way, Barack Obama is scheduled to appear at 8 on "Countdown With Keith Olbermann."

8 p.m., Channel 25
Cameron is destroyed . . . or is she???

10 p.m., TNT
Charlie the law clerk is straight . . . or is he???

9 p.m., Channel 5
Country stars like Faith Hill love mixing with fans . . . or do they???

8 p.m., Channel 56
Who is the new guy in Blair's life? Lord Marcus Beaton is played by Patrick Heusinger, who is, in fact, American. But you probably aren't surprised to learn that, based on his overly pronounced British accent. My suspicion, though, is that the truth about "Lord Marcus" - whom Blair called "Mi-lord" - is still unknown.

10 p.m., Channel 2
The thing-feeling thing.

9 p.m., Channel 7
The hiking-mining thing.

Comcast, Encore
Mel Brooks's spoof on Kevin Costner's "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" is only occasionally funny. The best sight gags are the ones that goof on other movies ("Malcolm X," "The Godfather"). On the whole, the Costner version was funnier - and more highly energized. (PG-13; runs through Sept. 11)