On Today: 'CSI' Stunt, Lopez Start
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
It's been a sweeps season devoid of events. The potential big special "Michael Jackson: This is It" instead went to theaters (where it's done just fine, thank you). Network shows have mostly stayed in first-run episodes (or stayed off the air altogether, as have "Dollhouse" and "Brothers").
From there, there's a side trip to visit Gary Sinise on "CSI: NY" Wednesday before things wrap back in Vegas Thursday on "CSI." The franchise has used crossover episodes in the past -- it's how both the Miami and New York offshoots were introduced. But a story involving all three is a first and it will be interesting to see how one story can be sustained all week over three shows -- and how Caruso and Sinise work with Fishburne, is the new CSI on the block among them.But on "CSI," which has this season relinquished its perch as top scripted drama to another CBS procedural with initials, "NCIS," it's time to add some juice with a triple crossover episode.
It starts tonight on "CSI: Miami" (CBS, 10 p.m.), which has set itself apart from the others not only with its sunny color palate, but in the near-comic exaggerated acting style of David Caruso. When he finds a body part he can trace to a missing person from Las Vegas, in comes the mother show's lead, Laurence Fishburne.
Other sweeps lures tonight? How about a threesome that's been played up for controversy and hype on "Gossip GIrl" (The CW, 9 p.m.) such that some affiliates took the bait and are not showing it. A threesome, oddly, is also a theme on tonight's "Two and a Half Men" (CBS, 9 p.m.).
Elsewhere, there's an 80s theme party for the returning "House" (Fox, 8 p.m.), an episode where music plays a bigger role on "One Tree Hill" (The CW, 8 p.m.) directed by cast member Sophia Bush and, on cable, a two hour season finale for "Lincoln Heights" (ABC Family 8 p.m.).
Alan Thicke, who is currently at Foxwoods hosting a live version of "The Price is Right," is also guest star tonight on "How I Met Your Mother" (CBS, 8 p.m.), where TV's least convincing romantic couple, Barney and Robin, are on the rocks.
Remaining contestants fight to be among those left in next week's semi-finals on "Dancing with the Stars" (ABC, 8 p.m.). Adding fan base and name recognition to dance accomplishments, Donny Osmond suddenly seems a leading contender.
It's sweeps time on daytime, too, so some shows step up, such as "Oprah" (WFSB, 4 p.m.), where Ellen DeGeneres is a sort of crossover guest. Later tonight, a Jim Carrey visit on "Chelsea Lately" (E!, 11 p.m.) suddenly makes that show more of a contender.
On late night, the newest talk show entry in a crowded field that has recently added Mo'Nique (BET, 11 p.m.) and Wanda Sykes on Saturday, comes George Lopez. His "Lopez Tonight" (TBS, 11 p.m.) has been promoted as less formal and more of a party than the usual desk 'n' chair show. Modeling himself after Arsenio Hall's old show, he wants to have more music and crowd participation in his show. The effort kicks off with Eva Longoria, Ellen DeGeneres, Kobe Bryant and Carlos Santana.
The "American Experience" (CPTV, 9 p.m.) series on the 1930s continues with a film about the building of the Hoover Dam. A more entertaining documentary on rock may be the one to follow, "How the Beatles Rocked the Kremlin" (CPTV, 10 p.m.) where they were all apparently singing "She Loves You, Da, Da, Da."
The old Iron Curtain is on the mind today, as the world marks the 20th anniversary of the giddy day the Berlin Wall. "BBC World News" (BBC America, 10 p.m.) is among those originating their broadcast from festivities in Germany.
Turner Classic Movies takes a trip to one of Communism's last stands, Cuba, with Alfred Hitchcock's "Topaz" (8 p.m.), Alec Guinnes in "Our Man in Havana" (10:30 p.m.), Sean Connery in Richard Lester's "Cuba" (12:30 a.m.), the 1959 "Pier 5, Havana" (2:45 a.m.) and John Garfield in John Huston's "We Were Strangers" (4 a.m.).
It's Steelers at Broncos in Monday Night Football (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.). In the NBA, it's Jazz at Knicks (CSN, MSG,7:30 p.m.); in hockey,Kings at Blackhawks (Versus, 8 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Regis and Kelly: Meredith Vieira, Dana Delany. The View: Emma Thompson, Teena Marie. Bonnie Hunt: Valerie Bertinelli, Chris Colfer, Oscar the Grouch. Ellen DeGeneres: George Lopez, Robin Wright Penn.
Late Talk
Jay Leno: Dane Cook, Diablo Cody. David Letterman: Bill Murray. Conan O'Brien: Kelsey Grammer, David Gray. Jimmy Kimmel: Jamie Foxx,Toby Keith (rerun). Jimmy Fallon: Laurence Fishburne, Elmo & Rosita. Craig Ferguson: Carla Gugino, Dennis Lehane. Carson Daly: Emmanuelle Chriqui, Yo La Tengo. Jon Stewart: Sen. Christopher Bond. Stephen Colbert: Thomas Campbell.
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