In London, the three Rs and an older man

Go out of your way to talk about: “An Education”

More Nick Hornby, I know. But his small Sundance film “An Education,” is too good to miss. In the postwar, pre-Beatles London suburbs, a bright schoolgirl played by Carey Mulligan is torn between studying for a place at Oxford and the alternative offered to her by a charismatic older man played by Peter Sarsgaard. If only life were full of these kind of choices. (Friday)

Is there ever a bad time to talk about: “South Park”?

Nope. The show has already done big Kanye West and Michael Jackson episodes, so it’s anyone’s guess what we’ll see, but take note: Season 13 starts at 10 Wednesday on Comedy Central. Be there. (Wednesday)

And I’ll still talk about: “The Next Iron Chef”

There is just no way it will compare to “Top Chef Masters,” but anything hosted by food whiz Alton Brown is good enough for me. Will also cheer on our hometown contestant Eric Greenspan, chef-owner of the Foundry on Melrose. (Today)

Not giving up on talking about: “Ugly Betty”

Not yet. The show’s been moved to Fridays -- never a good sign -- but in this week’s two-hour Season 4 premiere, Betty’s new sophisticated look will be unveiled. She’s finally moved up the food chain at Mode. And thankfully, they’ve killed the romance between her and Matt, who could turn out to be the ultimate villain when he becomes her new boss. There is hope! (Friday)

Are you talking about: Britney Spears’ new single, “3”?

From the pop star’s greatest hits album, this dance track has throwaway written all over it. If you did like it, the Backstreet Boys release a new album this week too, titled “This Is Us.” Yes, really. (Tuesday)

-- Denise Martin