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TUNE IN TONIGHT THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2008 Can a 'Second Life' be more profound than the first? By Kevin McDonough Who would you be if you could choose your looks, identity, body type, gender and even your historical era? Prepare for questions like these and more in the offbeat and provocative film "Molotov Alva and His Search for the Creator: A Second Life Odyssey" (8 p.m., Cinemax). Reported to be the first film ever created in the virtual reality of the "Second Life" community, "Molotov" is the story of filmmaker Douglas Gayeton, who abandons his real life, or, as he calls it, his "carbon life," to live exclusively in his Second Life as his avatar, or alter ego, Molotov Alva. Unlike many in the computer-animated Second Life world, he chooses a body type that resembles his own human form. He immediately creates a fancy beach house for himself filled with the latest gadgets and appliances. But this sudden cyber abundance makes him wonder: I don't need to eat, so why do I need a brand-name range and an expensive kitchen? What good is a stylish bedroom for a character who doesn't need sleep? Freed of the necessities of everyday living, Alva discovers that Second Life can be both a liberation and a burden. His "who-am-I?" and "who created-this-world?" curiosity leads him on a pilgrimage with another offbeat Second Life seeker as well as into the "arms" of a woman who may turn out to be the greatest relationship of his life. We're often reminded that people can lose themselves in online realms like Second Life. "Molotov Alva" shows us that they can find themselves, as well. Or at least try. — The last two seasons of "The Office" (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14) have ended with strong, memorable episodes, both involving key moments in Jim and Pam's unfolding romance. Now that they are a relatively happy couple, what can "The Office" writers come up with to keep us thinking about all summer? In tonight's episode, Michael plans a big going-away party for Toby, the sad-sack human resources manager who harbored a horribly disguised crush on Pam and who announced a move to Costa Rica some weeks ago. Few "Office" characters who leave ever go away for good, or for long. Jim returned after decamping for Stamford, and Ryan's move to New York hasn't removed him from the action. Paul Lieberstein, the actor who plays Toby, is also a writer and producer on "The Office." OTHER SEASON FINALES — With his marriage to Billie (Alyssa Milano) on the rocks, Earl follows his father's example on "My Name Is Earl" (8 p.m., NBC, TV-14). — Clark and Lex face off in the fortress on "Smallville" (8 p.m., CW, TV-PG,D,L,V). — Warrick faces murder charges on "CSI" (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14). — The clock is ticking on Dean's deal with the devil on "Supernatural" (9 p.m., CW, r, TV-14,D,L,V). — Five people vanish from a coffee shop at the same time on "Without a Trace" (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14,V). — An inebriated patient (Steve Buscemi, "Fargo") threatens the staff on "ER" (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14). TONIGHT'S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS — Larry King and Gene Simmons guest star as themselves on "Ugly Betty" (8 p.m., ABC, TV-14). — The truth about Rebecca surfaces on "Grey's Anatomy" (9 p.m., ABC, TV-14). — The battle between the survivors and the freighter contingent begins on part 1 of the two-part season finale of "Lost" (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14). Now Locke wants to "move the island"? — "Tougher in Alaska" (10 p.m., History) looks at salmon fishing. — "Sex: The Revolution" (10 p.m., VH1, TV-MA) concludes with a look at the counter-revolution of the Moral Majority during the Reagan years. — The teenage daughter of a woman with breast implants and the child of clowns describe their plights on "True Life: I Have Embarrassing Parents 2" (10 p.m., MTV). CULT CHOICE An older pitcher (Dennis Quaid) gets his chance at last in the 2002 feel-good baseball movie "The Rookie" (7 p.m., Family). SERIES NOTES Hodges takes a crack at the miniature killer on "CSI" (8 p.m., CBS r, TV-14) ... Jeff Foxworthy hosts "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" (8 p.m., Fox) ... Wayne Brady hosts "Don't Forget the Lyrics" (9 p.m., Fox, TV-PG). LATE NIGHT America Ferrera, Russell Brand and Terry Fator appear on "Late Show with David Letterman" (11:35 p.m., CBS) ... Jay Leno hosts Dana Delany, Hulk Hogan and Dwight Yoakam on "The Tonight Show" (11:35 p.m., NBC) ... Josh Holloway, Brad Williams and Dierks Bentley appear on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" (12:05 a.m., ABC) ... Carlos Mencia and MGMT chat on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" (12:35 a.m., NBC) ... Craig Ferguson hosts David Boreanaz and Carrot Top on "The Late, Late Show" (12:37 a.m., CBS). Kevin McDonough can be reached at kmcdonough@unitedmedia.com Copyright 2008, United Feature Syndicate, Inc.
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