What's On: So Long, Simon

I admit that amid my excitement for the American Idol finale (which does exist in spite of season nine's stank), I've forgotten to be sad for Simon Cowell's departure. I know X-Factor is coming, but a part of my TV-viewing life is morphing forever. Change is not my strong suit. Paula Abdul's reappearance tonight will soften the blow somewhat, but I'm not prepared for Simon's inevitable bawling. And by "bawling," I mean "cheeky quips that create tension between Kara and Paula, probably forever."

American Idol [Fox, 8 PM]

The ninth season finale! Speculate on the surprise guest performers now. Will Siobhan Magnus trade snarls with Adam Lambert? Or Chrissie Hynde? Will Michael Lynche get soul-y with Joss Stone? Will Didi Benami finally sing "Terrified" with Kara DioGuardi? Last season's finale was spectacular, meaning there's a very good chance this year's will be... fine enough. Whee!

CSI: NY [CBS, 10 PM]

Serial killer Shane Casey (Edward Furlong) closes up season six by going after Danny, who's out on a trip with Lindsay and her daughter. This has really been a great year for serial killers in season finales, so props to Furlong for seizing the zeitgeist. His signature should be freeing a lobster at the scene of every crime.

Tonight Show with Jay Leno [NBC, 11:30]

Kathy Griffin appears on Jay's couch tonight alongside Paula Deen, serving up sass, sarcasm, and an apparent olive branch, She was allegedly "banned" from Leno's show years ago after badmouthing him on My Life on the D-List. A quick IMDB sweep shows she appeared on The Jay Leno Show last year, but I feel like the resentment runs deep. Let's detect the coded mudslinging together, OK?

Pretty in Pink [VH1, 9 PM]

Even in the wake of John Hughes' death, it's rarely mentioned that Pretty in Pink was probably the director's best film. Molly Ringwald plays a prissy high-schooler choosing between two prom dates -- Andrew McCarthy and Jon Cryer. Perhaps this movie doesn't have Ferris Bueller's Day Off's zeal or The Breakfast Club's stark confessionals, but it does have resonant honesty in a high school setting. We could use some of that now, thanks.