WEIRD & WILD: Penn & Teller & Shaq

This is why you need to read For Better or Werts. Sure, Bianculli will tell you about some critically acclaimed drama or some innovative comedy or some blockbuster movie. But look at the photo above. You need me for this.

Tonight's Shaq vs. (Aug. 10 at 9 p.m. ET on ABC) has the hulking basketballer trying magic with Penn and Teller. And showgirls. In Vegas.

Now this is summer entertainment.

Of course, I'll watch the bombastic Penn and silent Teller in anything, be it a magic show, a political debate or their delightfully spleen-venting Showtime debunk-fest -- which is, by the way, still running original episodes. This Thursday is actually the eighth-season finale (Aug. 12 at 10 p.m. ET on Showtime), in which the guys take down the current "pseudo-science and public gullibility" controversy over vaccinations. That comes on the heels of their fact-based common-sense docucomedy riffs on fast food, teen sex, self-esteem and other social lightning rods.

Previous Penn & Teller episodes are still watchable via digital cable's Showtime on Demand. You can also grab previous season DVD sets, or previous single episodes via Amazon On Demand or iTunes.