['Two and a Half Men' - 'Three Hookers and a Philly Cheesesteak']

'Two and a Half Men' is not the kind of show that has stories ripped from the headlines like 'Law & Order.'

However, with everything that's going on in Charlie Sheen's life, it's hard to listen to his character of Charlie Harper talk about his indulgent sprees involving booze and hookers and not relate it to the star's current headline-grabbing antics that have landed him in rehab (again).

But tonight's episode was more reminiscent of financial headlines from 2009. In fact, the way that Alan was finagling for investment funds from Charlie, Evelyn, Herb and Berta, was probably just how Bernie Madoff absconded with other people's millions. Reportedly, it was just that easy for Madoff to steal millions, just by letting greedy people chase after bigger and bigger returns.

It's my sincere hope that this storyline continues because seeing good Alan chatting with evil Alan was terrific. It reminded me of 'Damn Yankees', with evil Alan acting like Mr. Applegate -- who was simply a variation on Satan.



Of course, Alan's financial arrangement was never meant to go beyond Charlie. It was going to be a legitimate way for Alan to expand his business. And yet, as far as we can tell, he never did get around to using any of the money to advertise his practice. Easy money was just too damn easy to get by lying and deceiving those closest to him.

Since the show ended with evil Alan taking over good Alan, it would be brilliant of the writers to let it ride. That's just what the greedy investors did, so why not the writers?

It would be great to see how deeply into trouble Alan could get with this pyramid scheme. The guilt he'll feel when the world collapses around him -- and you know it's only a matter of time until that happens -- will be worth the journey.

If Jon Cryer's looking for an Emmy nod, this might be the show to submit. Cryer's had a few exceptional shows this season -- the skunk and ketchup episode comes to mind -- but the double Alans were a lot of fun. The final scene with him all in black, putting on a tough guy attitude, going out and not bothering to give Charlie a reason, made my day.

Meanwhile, Charlie has completely lost his mind over Rose. Or maybe it's just his family jewels and willpower? In the past, Chelsea had Charlie. But the way Rose is leading him around by the nose is far worse ... or better. At least comedy-wise.

Rose has finally figured out how to keep Charlie interested in her. She's made herself unavailable by creating the fake marriage to Manny. Tonight's twist that made it all the sweeter was that Gordon, the pizza guy, has figured out the scam while Charlie remains blissfully in love and duped.

There's one more new episode coming up on 'Two and Half Men' next week, then there'll be a hiatus created by Charlie Sheen's current stint in rehab. Reportedly, he'll be back at work by the end of February and -- hopefully -- we'll get a full season of the sitcom.

Will it be the last of 'Men' or can we hope to have a ninth season? Who knows ...

Quotes We Liked:

Alan: "Once the profits start rolling in, I could move out."
Charlie: "And once I start growing boobs I could start working the lunch shift at Les Girls, Girls, Girls."

Evelyn: "You're my son. I should at least pretend I believe in you."
Alan: "Thank you."
Evelyn: "I'm putting 'American Cancer Society' on the memo line. Just ignore that."

Alan: "How's the pediatrician game?"
Herb: "Like taking money from babies."

Gordon: "God, I love your life."
Charlie: "Thanks, but it's really not as fun as it looks."
Gordon: "Really?"
Charlie: "Nah, I'm kidding! Cheers to me!"

'Two and a Half Men' airs Mondays, 9PM ET on CBS.