What to Watch: January 17 - 23

Spartacus: Gods of the Arena - Sunday, January 23, 10PM ET/MT, The Movie Network/Movie Central

This is a prequel to 'Spartacus: Blood and Sand', dreamed up to give lead actor Andy Whitfield time to recover from cancer before reprising his role. But no worries -- fans can expect the same subtle blend of graphic bloody violence and graphic sweaty sex scenes they've come to count on the series to deliver.

Despite a potential for camp (Lucy Lawless does star, after all), the 'Spartacus' series should soothe those missing HBO's 'Rome' and please anyone who loves a good machete fight.

Also This Week:

Jersey Shore - Monday January 17, 10PM ET/PT, MTV

I didn't think it was possible to have a 'very special' episode anymore -- it's so hokey. Trust 'Jersey Shore' to take that idea and turn it on its head. So this week, the show airs twice, in its usual Thursday (affectionally known as 'Jerseday' now) slot, and also on Monday, with the episode everyone has been waiting for -- at least everyone who reads the tabs: Snooki is going to jail.

House - Monday January 17, 8PM ET/PT, Global/Fox

Matthew Lillard, Hollywood's go-to goofball gets to switch it up and play a hero this week, as a fellow who faints right after rescuing a fallen stranger from subway tracks. Meanwhile, Candice Bergen's guest arc begins -- she'll be nettling House for several episode as Cuddy's mom. Which is pretty great casting, not only because there is something similar in the voices and eyes of Bergen and Lisa Edelstein, but because for once, Bergen is actually old enough to be Edelstein's mother.

The Bachelor - Monday January 17, 8PM ET/PT, Citytv/ABC

Dear Seal,

That 'Kiss From a Rose' song is nice. Personally I preferred your early work, like 'Crazy' and the underrated 'Killer.' What all these songs have in common is that they were released a long, long time ago. They are older than Google, to put it in perspective. So why, why, why are you turning up an this week's episode of 'The Bachelor' to give these famewhores a private concert? Go home and give your beautiful wife Heidi Klum a private concert, if you know what I mean. It's time to let it go.

Sincerely,

Stephanie.