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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
‘House of Saddam,’ Parts 1 and 2, 8 p.m. HBO. A new four-part miniseries on the rise and fall of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein premieres, with Igal Naor (“Rendition,” “Munich”) in the title role. Shohreh Aghdashloo, who was great in “House of Sand and Fog,” plays his first wife, Sajida. Nobody does miniseries better than HBO.
‘Dexter,’ 8 p.m. Showtime. In the new episode `I Had a Dream,’ the quirky serial killer (Michael C. Hall) tries to figure out a way to get rid of his pesky, dangerous friend Miguel (Jimmy Smits, who steals almost every scene he’s in). If Dexter doesn’t do the dastardly deed, this show could end up being called “Miguel.”
Monday
‘Mystic River,’ 9 p.m. AMC. If you don’t believe Sean Penn is one of America’s greatest actors, go see “Milk” on the big screen this weekend and then watch this Oscar-winning performance in director Clint Eastwood’s drama about the death of a daughter.
Tuesday
‘Johnny Cash: A Man and his Vision,’ 10 p.m. KLRU. This special looks at the music legend’s variety series, “The Johnny Cash Show,” that aired from 1969 to 1971. During that time, Cash hosted such legends as Bob Dylan, Loretta Lynn, Ray Charles and Neil Young. Also at 9 p.m. Saturday.
Wednesday
‘High Noon,’ 9 p.m. TCM. Westerns don’t get any better than this. As a town marshal, Will Kane (Gary Cooper) finds out that a killer is coming for him at noon and that he’ll have to face him alone because no one is willing to help. Cooper won an Oscar for his stoic portrayal. From 1952. A must-see for any film buff.
‘The Rachel Maddow Show,’ 8 p.m. MSNBC. This edgy gal takes no prisoners when she delivers the news. And she’s quickly gaining a following, especially among young people. She’s the rising star of MSNBC.
Thursday
‘ER,’ 9 p.m. NBC. Sam, played by Linda Cardellini, wants to take Alex (Dominic James) off the ventilator. Meanwhile, Morris (Scott Grimes) gets an unexpected package from his dad. In its last season, this medical drama still manages to impress.
‘The Day the Earth Stood Still,’ 7 p.m. AMC. Chilling scenes. Excellent pacing. A fine performance from Patricia Neal. Can the new version of this 1951 classic be anywhere near as good? We’ll see when the new “Stood Still,” starring Keanu Reeves and Jennifer Connelly, opens Dec. 12. Meanwhile, savor the original.
Friday
‘My Music: My Generation - The 60s,’ 9 p.m. KLRU. See the essential folk rock, R&B and pop performances from the 1960s in the latest production of the “My Music” fundraising series. Saturday
‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,’ 1 p.m. TCM. If winter ever truly arrives in Texas, it would be fun to curl up in bed and spend a lazy day watching Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell camp it up in this 1953 classic comedy. Great songs include “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Great dialogue from Monroe’s Lorelei Lee: “I can be smart when it’s important, but most men don’t like it.”
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By Marc Fort
December 8, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
Great choices.
Love Ted Turner or hate him, TCM rules. And Robert Osborne makes being a film nerd respectable.