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Just this past week, HBO announced the addition of Gretchen Mol to the cast of its upcoming series 'Boardwalk Empire,' starring Steve Buscemi as Atlantic City gangster Nucky Thompson. With a string of respectable supporting roles, Mol's made a career out of not-quite making it, starting with her famous 1998 'Vanity Fair' cover that asked the entirely premature question: "Is Gretchen Mol Hollywood's New It Girl?"

But though Mol didn't exactly fade into obscurity (she earned kudos for her eye-opening turn in the indie 'The Notorious Bettie Page' and co-starred in ABC's short-lived 'Life on Mars'), neither did she become the huge success the industry predicted she would be. What happened? Was it luck, timing, bad choices or simply a case of too much hype? Whatever that case, Mol's casting got us thinking about other "Almost It" girls that Hollywood left behind about as quickly as it tried to make them mega-stars.

Fans of HBO's polygamous-family drama 'Big Love' can finally set a date for their reunion with Bill, Barb, Nicki and Margene: Variety reports that season 4 will premiere on Jan. 10, 2010.

When last we left the Henrickson family (or, more accurately, the Henrickson/Grant/Heffman family), Bill's brother Joey was suffocating Roman to avenge his wife Kathy's death; Barb was excommunicated from the Mormon church; Nicki had reunited with her daughter Cara Lynn and brought her back to the Henrickson household, seeking forgiveness for her numerous lies; and Bill declared the formation of their own church, with him as leader.

Sissy Spacek joins 'Big Love,' 'The Beautiful Life: TBL' premieres to ugly ratings, Penn and Teller to star in a new ABC comedy pilot and more of today's top TV headlines.

Don Imus lands a multiyear deal with Fox Business News, U2 books 'SNL''s season premiere, Bella Thorne joins 'Big Love' and more of today's top TV headlines.

'Top Chef''s Padma Lakshmi has signed a sitcom deal with NBC, which will reportedly have the Emmy nominee starring in her own half-hour series. We'll eat to that.

Also in the news today: Production on 'The Beautiful Life' gets delayed, while Sean Bean learns to play the 'Game.'

See more of today's top TV headlines after the jump.

'Big Love'
(Sun., 9PM, HBO) 3rd season finale
For three seasons, Bill Henrickson has struggled to break free from his past, namely dealings with prophet Roman and his plotting, thuggish in-laws, the Greenes.

Bill thinks he's finally found a way, via a legal ally, to rid himself of the whole bunch all at once, though, as always, Roman will be at his wily best when the heat is on.

Meanwhile, as Sarah finally settles on post-high school plans, Nicki has a surprise reunion, Alby struggles to hold on to control of the compound and one character – a major character – becomes the second shocking 'Big Love' death of the season.

'Kings'
(Sun., 8PM, NBC) series premiere
For those who complain there's nothing but the same old same old on TV ... here's something different.

'Deadwood' star Ian McShane is Silas Benjamin, King of fictional Gilboa, rival of the neighboring nation of Gath. When the Gathians take Gilboa citizens as prisoners, a young soldier named David Shepherd ('Eragon's' Chris Egan) rescues the bunch, including the King's son.

What ensues is a David-and-Goliath-ish tale that includes power struggles, romance, backstabbing and some compelling acting by breakout star Egan and the always wonderful McShane. Add in an upcoming guest gig by Macaulay Culkin as the King's nephew and, well, there's weird, wild stuff going on here.

Ashley Jensen ditches 'Betty,' Mormons dis 'Big Love' and more ...

Sorry, 'Ugly Betty' fans, but Ashley Jensen, aka Betty's pal Christina, is leaving the show at the end of this season to star opposite Jenna Elfman in the CBS comedy pilot 'Accidentally on Purpose!'

In other news, 'Friday Night Lights' starlet Minka Kelly is also moving on, to the world of politics in the CW's 'Body Politic,' Mormon leaders are hating on 'Big Love,' and 'Jericho' star Skeet Ulrich is returning to TV.

See more of today's TV headlines, casting scoops and premiere dates after the jump.

'The Celebrity Apprentice'
(Sun., 9PM, NBC) 8th season premiere
It's certainly an eclectic group of celebs who've assembled for Donald Trump's latest season.

Headlining the list: Joan Rivers and her daughter Melissa; foul-mouthed comedian Andrew Dice Clay; other Kardashian sister Khloe; Tom Green; R&B crooner Brian McKnight; country star Clint Black; former NBA star Dennis Rodman; and reality TV star/Mr. Sandra Bullock Jesse James among them.

The celebs, who are playing to win a hunk of cash for their favorite charities, will face challenges like making and selling cupcakes and creating their own comic book superheroes, but with a contestant pool this diverse, we have a feeling it's going to be all about the ego clashes this season.

'The 81st Academy Awards'
(Sun., 8PM, ABC)
Hugh Jackman's hosting, a Baz Luhrman musical number will pair Jackman with Beyonce and Zac Efron and producers are talking about having new mom M.I.A. perform her Oscar-nominated 'Slumdog Millionaire' song from a bed.

In other words, this Oscar telecast could have us all longing for the days when Rob Lowe did a little song-and-dance with Snow White.

Amongst all the, ahem, unique telecast plans, a few little golden guys will also be doled out, of course, with favorites including comeback kid Mickey Rourke ('The Wrestler') for Best Actor, Kate Winslet ('The Reader') for Best Actress and the aforementioned gem 'Slumdog' for Best Picture.