Critic's corner

Law & Order 10 p.m., Channel 7

Wow. I saw a preview of this episode and it is rather stupid indeed.

I love "Law & Order," but strictly for old time's sake at this point. The franchise has just lost the ability to come up with a good plot. Sherry Stringfield guests as a law clerk who's got a codependent relationship with a judge, played by Ned Beatty (above). We're supposed to find Beatty touching - you know, an elder statesman actor angling for a best-guest Emmy. But he's just kind of empty.

True Blood 10 p.m., HBO

"True Blood" Week continued: Oddly enough, the 1993 movie "The Piano" is the source of four of TV's current stars - Holly Hunter on "Saving Grace," Harvey Keitel on "Life on Mars," Sam Neill on "Crusoe," and Anna Paquin (above) on "True Blood." I remember thinking, when Paquin came to the stage to accept the Oscar for best supporting actress, that the frightened little girl was doomed to a career in the shadows of that movie. Now, she has stolen the hearts of "True Blood" fans as the lucky, and very plucky, Sookie.

Criminal Minds 9 p.m., Channel 4

Jason Alexander as a serial killer? I think my gag reflex moved.

Dirty Sexy Money 10 p.m., Channel 5

Watch it. The bubble's going to pop.

The Real George Washington 9 p.m., National Geographic

He's the one who chopped down the Norway Spruce.

Modern Marvels 8 p.m., History Channel

Horse lore. Nope, not a euphemism.

CSI: NY 10 p.m., Channel 4

Daughtry acts.