Critic’s corner Frontline 9 p.m., Channel 2 Most of us - or those of us who didn’t study economics - are pretty confused about the rules and fees attached to our credit cards. Tonight’s episode tries to untie the knot a bit, looking closely at the credit card industry as it faces public anger, new regulations, and the recession. (Page G12, 192 words)By: Matthew Gilbert|Date: Nov 24, 2009

The Lost JFK Tapes: The Assassination 9 p.m., National Geographic The assassination of President John F. Kennedy, on Nov. 22, 1963, gets a compelling re-telling tonight. Nowadays, with cable news channels and cellphone cameras, we get to watch every big news event unfold minute-by-minute, in an insane amount of detail. We’re all Zapruders. This two-hour documentary goes back and assembles ... (Page G12, 206 words)By: Matthew Gilbert|Date: Nov 23, 2009

Critic’s Corner 2009 American Music Awards 8 p.m., Channel 5 The 37th annual event will air live from Los Angeles. Scheduled performers include Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry, Alicia Keys (above), Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Eminem, Jennifer Lopez, and Adam Lambert. (Page N16, 122 words)By: Matthew Gilbert|Date: Nov 22, 2009

Fine state of comedy Massachusetts is a funny place. Or at least a lot of people originally from the state are currently at the forefront of TV comedy, including Conan O’Brien, Amy Poehler, and “Office’’ workers such as Steve Carell. Also on the list: Robert Carlock, executive producer and writer of “30 Rock,’’ who grew up in Weston and graduated from Harvard. I spoke ... (Page G3, 548 words)By: Matthew Gilbert|Date: Nov 21, 2009

Critic’s corner Saturday Night Live 11:30 p.m., Channel 7 Last week’s episode was a bummer, and not because the writing was so weak. I really expected January Jones to surprise the world with comic chops she’d been keeping hidden on “Mad Men.’’ Boy, was I wrong. She was so half-hearted about performing in the sketches, I felt sad for her. Tonight has ... (Page G16, 220 words)By: Matthew Gilbert|Date: Nov 21, 2009

Critic’s corner Happily Ever Faster 10 p.m., TLC Most of the wedding shows on TV - and there are many of them - support the whole blow-many-thousands-of-dollars-on-a-spectacle model. But this new reality series tracks the goings on at a Las Vegas wedding chapel, which probably means a lot less money - and a lot more day-glo rice - gets thrown around. The ... (Page G32, 184 words)By: Matthew Gilbert|Date: Nov 20, 2009

Palin leads her own charge into the reality spotlight This week’s Sarah Palin TV tour has been like “Jon & Kate & Sarah & Todd & Bristol & Levi Plus Kids.’’ A 2012 presidential candidacy may not be on Palin’s “radar screen right now,’’ as she told both Oprah Winfrey and Barbara Walters in separate interviews, but her desire to remain a free-floating reality star on the American stage ... (Page G16, 785 words)By: Matthew Gilbert|Date: Nov 20, 2009

Critic’s corner Grey’s Anatomy 9 p.m., Channel 5 It has been interesting watching “The Wire’’ cast show up - and, alas, not show up - on other TV series. A partial list of those we’ve seen includes Sonja Sohn (Kima) on “Brothers & Sisters,’’ Seth Gilliam (Carver) on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,’’ Michael K. Williams (Omar) on “The Philanthropist,’’ Tristan Wilds ... (Page G24, 241 words)By: Matthew Gilbert|Date: Nov 19, 2009

Critic’s corner Friday Night Lights 9 p.m., DirecTV Most viewers won’t be seeing this fourth season until it airs this summer on NBC, even though DirecTV is airing it exclusively now. I’ve seen the first four episodes, and they are remarkably good. What can I say? This show continues to be soulful, emotionally honest, naturalistic, and willing to stare issues of race ... (Page G28, 273 words)By: Matthew Gilbert|Date: Nov 18, 2009

Melrose Place 9 p.m., Channel 56 The Locklear is coming, The Locklear is coming. Tonight, the actress who began as a stiff-faced young Aaron Spelling creation on “Dynasty’’ and “T.J. Hooker,’’ who blossomed into a stiff-faced vixen on the original “Melrose Place,’’ who had a run as a stiff-faced victim in a series of TV movies, and who continues to ... (Page G12, 199 words)By: Matthew Gilbert|Date: Nov 17, 2009