2011's Best Episodes: Flights and Tights and the Final Friday Night Lights Goodbye

Friday Night Lights From Oprah's surprisingly low-key farewell to the year's most soul-crushing break-up on The Good Wife (Kalicia, no!), the year was packed with fantastic hours of television - pretty much all of which we watched. There were teary goodbyes (Friday Night Lights' Texas forever! Smallville's tights and flights!), tense face-offs (why can't all CIA interrogations take place on the front porch of a cabin, like on Homeland?) and of course we made room for a little Glee (because certain underdogs deserved it). Which made the list. Tune in all week for our top 25. Here's the fifth batch in our weeklong countdown of 2011's best episodes (Catch up first with Episodes 25-21, Episodes 20-16, Episodes 15-11 and Episodes 10-6. Or browse the full list here.): 5. "Finale," SmallvilleIt took 10 years for Clark Kent to become Superman, but the series finale soared as the Man of Steel (in his super suit at long last!) took flight. Like a proud parent, our hearts swelled as we watched Clark realize his full potential after a decade's worth of trials, and fittingly, both of his fathers (Jor-El and an apparition of Jonathan Kent) presented him with the cape before he took off to save the world once more. 4. "Palestinian Chicken," Curb Your EnthusiasmHis appetite or his religion? His sex life or his religion? For anyone who knows Larry David, it's pret-ty, pret-ty, pret-ty clear which he'll choose, but that doesn't make this Season 8 episode any less entertaining to watch (even if it does make you feel a little guilty for laughing so hard). At issue: Larry's new favorite restaurant, Al Abbas, is a chicken place run by Palestinians where the walls are covered with anti-Israel posters and the hot Palestinian manager, Shara, wants Larry to, um, occupy her, like she says Israel did her country -- what to do? Throw in Larry's rampage against the acronym "LOL" and you've got the perfect portrait of comedy's best social assassin. 3. "Face Off," Breaking BadBreaking Bad's season's worth of twists and tension culminated in a pulsating, relentless and jaw-dropping finale that will go down as one of TV's best. For one, there's the indelible, gross and awesome image of Gus' half-disfigured face after he emerged ostensibly unharmed from a bomb blast. But the ultimate "holy crap!" came in the final, game-changing seconds when we learn that Walt had poisoned Brock -- a reveal that tested the limits of our sympathy for him and showed that he had no ethical limits anymore. Walt is indeed the one who knocks. 2. "Flu Season," Parks and RecreationDementia! Vomiting! Pooping! In the hands of lesser folks, hitting a cast of sitcom characters with the flu could be a prescription for some really easy, lame, tired jokes. In the hands of TV's best comedy Parks and Recreation, it's an inspired choice. What would happen if Chris' perfected human health was compromised? Can Leslie rally when she has a speech to give but the floor and the wall have switched? In sickness and in health, we love this show. 1. "Always," Friday Night LightsAs Friday Night Lights stepped into TV's white light, we held our collective breath, tears at the ready. Would we be able to say goodbye to Dillon with just one box of tissue? In the end, the once-embattled Lions overcame, winning State, and Coach Taylor, who we want to be when we grow up, finally decided that it was, in fact, Tami's turn to pursue her dreams in Philadelphia. Still, when the sun set for the final time in Dillon - and we were crying, "No, don't go!" -- Tim and Billy reminded us that it would be Texas forever for all who had watched FNL's five amazing seasons.

VIDEO: Watch the Premiere of Showtime's House of Lies

House of Lies Showtime's approaching series House of Lies is debuting the following month, but we have got the very first episode now! The dark comedy stars Don Cheadle as Marty Kaan, an administration consultant who'll visit absolutely nothing to get business deals done. Kaan's team, known as "The Pod," includes Jeannie Van Der Hooven, a razor-sharp, Ivy League grad (Kristen Bell) Clyde Oberhalt, a brown-nosing and womanizing consultant (Ben Schwartz) and Doug Guggenheim, an excellent math geek (Josh Lawson). Beginning Olivieri models the cast as Marty's pill-popping ex-wife and mother of his child. She's also his company's greatest rival. Watch the premiere of House of Lies below: House of Lies debuts Sunday, Jan. 8 at 10/9c on Showtime.

Morgan grilled over U.K. phone hacking

Morgan CNN anchor and former British tabloid editor Piers Morgan has denied all knowledge of phone hacking at the Daily Mirror, one of two national papers he edited.Questioned Tuesday by the government inquiry into press ethics, conducted by Lord Justice Brian Leveson, Morgan said he had no reason to "believe it was going on" at the Mirror during his almost 10-year tenure, which ended in 2004.Speaking to the U.K. via video link from the U.S. where he now lives, Morgan told the inquiry: "Not a single person has made a formal or legal complaint against the Daily Mirror for phone hacking."The Leveson inquiry is separate to the parliamentary probe into phone hacking at Rupert Murdoch's now defunct News of the World Sunday tabloid, which Morgan edited in 1994-95, years before the scandal emerged.Morgan was also asked about a report by the British Information Commissioner's Office that found that 45 Mirror journalists were mentioned in the files of private investigator Steve Whittamore.Morgan insisted that "all journalists knew they had to operate within the law. That was enshrined in their contracts of employment."He was grilled about a recording of a voicemail message left by Paul McCartney for his then-wife Heather Mills when the couple were experiencing difficulties in their short-lived marriage.The CNN presenter, who quit as a judge on NBC's "America's Got Talent" to concentrate on his "Piers Morgan Tonight" talkshow in November, claimed that listening to the message was not unethical, but declined to provide details of how it happened to protect his source.Questioned about his views on privacy and how the press treats big names, he said: "I have very little sympathy with celebrities who sell their weddings for 1 million -- one of the most private days of their lives -- and then expect to have privacy if they get caught having affairs."They are the very last people who should be protected by a privacy law."After the session, Morgan said he had felt like a "badly treated rock star" whose low points were constantly repeated while his successes were ignored. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Mike Ryan's Year-End 5 Best Top Movies List

I received an urgent notice this morning that, because it's the end of the calendar year, it's my responsibility to write a top movies list. I find this peculiar. Why would anyone want to read a list of top movies written by me? At the end of the year? It just seems like such a specific request, I can't imagine that anyone would want to read my list of top movies. And, to be honest, I'm not trying to be smug, but there really aren't a lot of top movies out there -- especially from this year. Alas, I'm not one to ignore a direct order from a superior, so here's a list of the Five Best Top Movies. [Ed. note: We meant "Top Five Best Movies"] 'Inception' (2010) Dom Cobb uses a top as a totem in order to differentiate between reality and the subconscious. The final scene of the movie is this top, making it the best top movie. 'My Summer Story' a.k.a. 'It' Runs in the Family (1994) Did you know there's a sequel to 'A Christmas Story'? Different actors, but all of the same characters and everything! But instead of being about Christmas, it's about tops. This is why you've probably never heard of 'My Summer Story.' 'The Hebrew Hammer' (2003) Long before Mordechai Carver becomes The Hebrew Hammer, he spins a dreidel. Which is a lot like a top. Beyblade: The Movie (2004) In this Japanese animated series' movie adaptation, the characters battle against each other using tops, which are titled Beyblades -- hence the name of the series and the movie. Justice League Unlimited (2005) Yes, this is a TV series, but in one episode there is a super villain named Top who can spin around like a top. And, someday, if there's ever a live-action movie based on The Flash (Top and The Flash don't like each other) and Top is included, he will automatically make the list of best top movies. You can contact Mike Ryan directly on Twitter Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

SAG Honours: 'Suits' Star Patrick Adams Responds to Shocking Nomination, Talks 'Friday Evening Lights' Experience

NY - Similar to do-it-yourself store Lowe's, travel Site Kayak has furthermore withdrawn ads from TLC's All-American Muslim, the NY Occasions reported.our editor recommendsJon Stewart Skewers TLC, Lowe's Over 'American Muslim' BoycottLowe's Pulls Ads from TLC Show 'All-American Muslim' The paper mentioned that no less than these two entrepreneurs have dropped ads round the reality Tv program round the Discovery Communications network since activist group Florida Family Association condemned the series. However, the Occasions layed out that others reported with the association as getting attracted ads are quarrelling such claims, including Bank of America, Sears and Campbell Soup. Overall, the company has mentioned that 65 companies have stopped advertising around the program. Bank of America only agreed to be scheduled to use an advert place in one episode of-American Muslim, a representative told the Occasions. "We'd an idea all along," he mentioned, "plus it was set to operate out if the did." "We didn't pull" ads all-American Muslim, a representative for Campbell Soup mentioned. Other ads "could run in subsequent episodes," even though the business didn't particularly request being around the program, but - as they are common - bought ad time on TLC inside the 7-11pm time slot, he added. "We certainly support diversity and inclusion," the representative told the Occasions, "Which we target everybody within the united states . States, including Dearborn, Michigan." A Sears representative also told the paper that his company's ad spots on All-American Muslim were "part of an over-all media buy that was not specific towards the particular programming" that the organization hasn't attracted ads due to concerns in regards to the show. Lowe's remains the primary focus a vast amount of debate about All-American Muslim and whether companies should advertise about it or else. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Subjects Discovery Communications TLC All-American Muslim

Louis C.K. Internet Comedy Special Has Already Been Lucrative

Nominees for that 18th annual Screen Stars Guild Honours were introduced early Wednesday morning, using the Help leading the film challengers with four nominations and Modern Family topping the television groups with five.our editor recommendsSAG Honours Nominations: Key Stats, Inclusions and Snubs (Analysis)'The Help' Leads Screen Stars Guild Honours NominationsSAG Honours Nominations: The Entire List PHOTOS: SAG Honours: The Nominees Jonah Hill, Moneyball -- outstanding supporting actor inside a film: "I'm incredibly moved and thus grateful to my fellow stars for realizing my role in Moneyball with this particular nomination. Personally i think so lucky to become an actress today when i do everyday. I owe an enormous thanks and far credit to the entire cast and crew, our authors, and particularly to the courageous leader and director Bennett Burns and also to Kaira Pitt, probably the most generous onscreen partner anybody could expect. Getting my work honored today by my peers pushes me to operate even harder." Glenn Close, Albert Nobbs and Damages -- outstanding lead actress inside a drama and outstanding lead actress inside a drama series: "Fortunately Albert Nobbs never needed to maintain an area with (Damages) Patty Hewes! I'm thrilled and honored and ecstatic that Jesse McTeer was recognized." Judd Apatow, Bridesmaids producer -- outstanding drama ensemble: "I'm proud this brilliant, amusing and gifted cast was saluted by their peers today and that i'm very excited to determine that comedy jobs are acknowledged and saluted too.Inch COMPLETE LIST: 2012 SAG Honours TV and Film Nominees Berenice Bejo, The Artist -- outstanding supporting actress inside a film: "I had been very relaxed today, within L.A. where I simply showed up, because I had been sure Jean and Michel would acquire some nominations. I wasn't so sure about myself. I'm happy today. I'm running to complete tv, and that i have auditions, and I've been thinking, 'This is an extremely amazing amount of time in my existence.' I'm happy and incredibly proud. In doing the Ellen Show this mid-day -- WOW. Michel is within Paris, and also the children are carrying out a dance show for that school, to ensure that's where he's. Someone needs to be around the children! I known as him today, he's so happy for me personally, for Jean, for the cast. and that we're so happy for John and Penelope and Missy because it's really an ensemble. And Uggie obviously. I ought to call Uiggie, this honours season such a great deal of labor for him, he's most likely sleeping. I'll start considering wardrobe tomorrow, based on what goes on. Whether it happens, search for a pleasant dress to put on, in order to be pretty around the red-colored carpet." -- Merle Ginsberg Kenneth Branagh, My Week With Marilyn -- outstanding supporting actor inside a film: "I'm so grateful towards the Screen Stars Guild for identifying my work, which from the remarkable cast and particularly the amazing performance of Michelle Williams. Laurence Olivier set a typical for artists. To experience him would be a great honor, but for the performance to become acknowledged by my fellow stars is particularly significant in my experience. Personally i think very lucky and incredibly proud to become an actress.Inch Jesse McTeer, Albert Nobbs -- outstanding supporting actress inside a film: "I'm really thrilled with this nomination. It's so flattering to become identified by your peers. And That I'm especially excited and thrilled for Glenn, that has labored so difficult and such a long time about this project." Demian Bichir, A Much Better Existence -- outstanding lead actor inside a drama: "My girlfriend known as me, which was great. I simply couldn't believe the statement stating that I had been nominated, with all individuals other amazing stars. It's the actor's election. It's so rewarding fellow peers election for you personally. In my experience to become of these amazing stars, it's a double recognition. I'm overcome through the whole factor. [Laughs] I've been an actress since i have would be a kid, was raised within the theater, I had been 17 after i did my first play, O'Neill's Ah Backwoods -- I figured I needed the relaxation around the globe to become familiar with my work. Everybody knows how tough your competition is incorporated in the U . s . States for just about any artist. So to possess a place among a lot talent Personally i think truly fortunate." -- Merle Ginsberg PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery SAG Honours: The Nominees Related Subjects SAG Honours SAG Honours 2012

Orson Welles's Oscar Would Make a Lovely Holiday Gift

What do you get for the cinephile who has everything? Start with a six-figure loan, I guess, and then check out the ongoing auction for “[t]he finest and most desirable item in Hollywood collecting — the original Oscar awarded to Orson Welles for best ‘Original Screenplay’ for Citizen Kane. This Oscar statue, awarded by The American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, is the very same statue presented to Orson Welles on 26 February 1942 at the Biltmore Hotel. [… F]or years it had gone missing and the Academy issued a replacement to Beatrice Welles, Orson’s youngest daughter and sole heir. The original had all along been in the possession of cinematographer Gary Graver, who tried to sell it in 1994.” [Nate D. Sanders via THR]

PHOTOS: Pitt, Clooney and Mara As Eraserhead, Mutiny on the Bounty and Clockwork Orange Villains

It may not be Halloween but some of Hollywood’s best and brightest stars dressed up as film’s most notorious villains as part of a wonderful new NY Times gallery entitled “Vamps, Crooks and Killers.” Click through to see Pitt, Clooney and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo star Rooney Mara channel some of the most deranged movie madmen. To see Kirsten Dunst, Mia Wasikowska, Viola Davis and pay tribute to your favorite film villains, click here for the complete NY Times gallery. Vamps, Crooks and Killers [NYT]