Marathons herald new seasons of series

SCRIPPS HOWARD
"Sex and the City" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" get 2004 started on the right foot with marathons from their latest seasons, and later in the week, the introduction of new episodes.
First off are 12 episodes from last summer's "Sex," which can be seen at 11 tonight on HBO.
The "Sex" pack will catch you up on the bumpy ride of Miranda and Steve and remind you of how Carrie got involved with a Russian artist. It will also trace the May-December romance between Samantha and Smith and the ups and downs of Charlotte's latest, but very fun, marriage.
After the run, you'll be fully prepped for a batch of new episodes (9 p.m. Sunday on HBO), which shows Carrie contemplating how detached she wants to be from her new lover.
Meanwhile, the third season of "Curb," Larry David's improvised half-hour, is recapped in a four-hour marathon, starting at 8 p.m., Friday on HBO.
Highlights from this "Curb" include Larry's quest to open a swanky Los Angeles restaurant and -- in one of the show's best moments -- how he befriends a rapper named Crazy-Eyed Killer.
Season four (9:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO) begins with Larry's wedding anniversary and a reminder to his wife (Cheryl Hines) about a promise she made 10 years ago.