‘Gold Rush’ Looks Back To Discovery

Highlights

“Nova,” KSPS at 7: “China’s Mysterious Mummies” examines the discovery of 2,400-year-old mummies in Central Asia that may provide evidence of an ancient culture with links to both the East and West.

“Frontline,” KSPS at 8: “Last Battle of the Gulf War” takes a sympathetic look at sickness among veterans, including an unsettling theory that Gulf War syndrome is caused by a biological weapon containing an organism modified with genes from the AIDS virus.

“Home Improvement,” ABC at 9: Tim and Jill (Tim Allen, Patricia Richardson) face their toughest challenge as parents when Brad (Zachery Ty Bryan) announces he’s going to marry a 20-year-old girlfriend (Maggie Lawson).

“The Perfect Mother” (1997), CBS at 9: Tyne Daly is the mother-in-law from hell in this heavy-handed melodrama about an innocent woman (Ione Skye) who marries into a family of criminals and incurs her overbearing mother-in-law’s wrath.

Cable Calls

“Roxanne” (1987), MAX at 8: This delightful contemporary take on “Cyrano de Bergerac” stars a long-nosed Steve Martin and radiant Daryl Hannah. Martin’s character comes to the aid of a timid firefighter (Rick Rossovich, “ER”) who can’t find the words to court a beautiful woman (Hannah).

The fun is spoiled somewhat by the predictable ending. But you never tire of Martin’s splendid performance.

Talk Time

“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actress Kate Winslet, actor Burt Reynolds and figure skater Michelle Kwan.

“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Harrison Ford, comedian Steven Wright and music group Dave Matthews Band. Repeat.