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B uckle up for network TV’s version of a highway pileup.
Nine prime-time series end their seasons Thursday night. You could fry your remote trying to keep up.
Spare yourself the aggravation. Here’s a look at the departing shows, with some advice: See it as it airs, tape it for later or skip it.
“My Name is Earl” (Thursday night at 8 on WHDH, Ch. 7). Earl in prison, Earl in a coma, Earl with Alyssa Milano. What did we do wrong to deserve this season of hell? Where’s that sweet, funny show we fell in love with? Skip.
“Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?” (Thursday at 8 p.m. on WFXT, Ch. 25). More apt title: “60 Minutes and Four Brain Cells of Your Life You’ll Never Get Back.” Skip.
“Smallville” (Thursday at 8 p.m. on WLVI [website] , Ch. 56). Here’s the year’s best example of a series that collapsed on itself creatively. The moment I finally gave up: When Clark (Tom Welling) even refused to try to fly. Man of Steel? Man of Mopes is more like it. Kristin Kreuk and Michael Rosenbaum make their last appearances as series regulars. Oh, and Brainiac attacks. Again. Skip.
“Don’t Forget the Lyrics” (Thursday at 9 p.m. on WFXT, Ch. 25). I forgot this show is still on. Skip.
‘‘The Office” (Thursday at 9 p.m. on WHDH): Last week’s intern fair was a rare outing for “The Office”: a dud. That does nothing to quell expectations for this one-hour episode, expected to bring all sorts of life-changing news for our favorite cube dwellers. Is Toby really leaving Dunder Mifflin? Will Jim finally propose to Pam? Is Jan pregnant? Don’t make the mistake many did last year and skip the closing credit tag. See.
“Supernatural” (Thursday at 9 p.m. on WLVI): Is Dean (Jensen Ackles) going straight to hell? “Supernatural” has been on a tear since the writers strike ended, but it’s up against “The Office.” Tape.

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