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Saturday, July 12, 2008
This week’s TV highlights
Hundreds of channels, hours and hours of programming. So much to watch, so little time. Here are some highlights to get you started on your week of viewing.
Sunday
“Generation Kill,” 8 p.m. on HBO — Let’s stipulate that war is both terrifying and boring, and that this new seven-part miniseries accurately portrays both. But do you really want to watch a bunch of Marines spew foul language, wait around for something to happen and then and invade Iraq? Based on the 2004 book by Rolling Stone reporter Evan Wright, who was embedded in the First Reconnaissance Battalion’s “bravo company,” the dramatization can be riveting at times, but in the very long haul, it’s just a bit much.
“Miss Universe Pageant,” 8 p.m. on NBC — Hey, some diehards love beauty pageants, and this one can be super-cheesy and fun.
Monday
“The Closer,” 8 p.m. on TNT — Thank yew! It’s the new season of cable’s most popular drama. Brenda (Kyra Sedgwick) and her minions investigate a fire that killed four people and try to deal with a reporter attached to the squad for public relations purposes. The case, as usual, is secondary to the sly southern charm of Brenda.
“Saving Grace,” 9 p.m. on TNT — Hard-living, hard-charging Grace (Holly Hunter) chases down a subject on the FBI’s Most Wanted list and becomes a reluctant hero. Her angel tries to keep her grounded, but not successfully.
Tuesday
“The Cleaner,” 9 p.m. on A&E — No, it’s not a reality show about housekeeping. Benjamin Bratt stars in the new series about an “extreme interventionist,” a guy who kidnaps addicts to get them off drugs. The pilot is uneven but promising.
“P.O.V.,” 10 p.m. on PBS — A closer look at The Last Conquistador, a controversial bronze statue that divides El Paso along race and class lines.
“Big Brother,” 8 p.m. on CBS — Yet another season of voyeurism arrives, this one with a 75-year-old Texan mugging for the cameras. Apparently some people really like this stuff, so, you know, I’m just sayin’.
Wednesday
“Project Runway,” 8 p.m. Bravo — A new bunch of fashionistas compete for a big runway show during fashion week. Yes, Tim Gunn is still impeccable.
“So You Think You Can Dance,” 7 p.m. on Fox — The hoofers get down to the Top 10. Pray for no serious injuries during these high-energy performances.
Thursday
“Fear Itself,” 9 p.m. on NBC — Another creepy installment from this surprisingly good summer horror anthology: a young woman awakens in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. Mmmmm zombies.
“Jaws,” 7 p.m. on AMC — It wouldn’t be summer without the ultimate deadliest catch. The 1975 sea horror emptied beaches all over the world back then and still packs a punch today. Dum-DUM, dum-DUM, dum-DUM.
Friday
“Monk,” 8 p.m. on USA — In the new season opener, twitchy crime-solver Monk (Tony Shalhoub) buys a house that turns into a money pit when a handyman goes wild. Remember, Monk does not like disorder of any kind.
Saturday
“Brokeback Mountain,” 7 p.m. on Bravo — One of the most beautiful movies ever made, this 2005 love story boasts heartbreaking performances by Jake Gyllenhaal and the late Heath Ledger. Sigh … sniff.
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