November 11, 2005 in Features

Programs give a nod to Veterans Day

• Print
• Email
• Share

Television commemorates Veterans Day in its usual manner, which is to say, not much at all.

Look for a couple of specials on the History Channel, including “Ermey’s Vietnam” (8 p.m.), featuring the star of “Full Metal Jacket” and “Mail Call” in Vietnam interviewing veterans of that conflict.

On a similar theme, “Heroes Under Fire” (10 p.m., History) interviews men who repulsed a Viet Cong attack in 1968.

Viewers in search of Hollywood heroism can watch John Wayne lead an all-star cast ashore the beaches of Normandy in the 1962 D-Day epic “The Longest Day” (7 p.m., FMC). The Duke also stars in the 1968 Vietnam drama “The Green Berets” (8 p.m., AMC).

It’s interesting to note that while Hollywood has a history of presenting veterans as larger-than-life superheroes like John Wayne and Jean-Claude Van Damme, actual veterans come in all shapes and sizes. Even in Hollywood. An ear infection kept John Wayne out of uniform, but “Green Acres” star (and Wayne’s “Longest Day” co-star) Eddie Albert saw plenty of action in the South Pacific and was awarded the Bronze Star for rescuing 70 Marines during bloody fighting on Tarawa.

“Get Smart” star Don Adams was a Marine whose unit was all but wiped out on Guadalcanal.

While much has been made of the cinematic gore depicted in the first scenes of “Saving Private Ryan” (8 p.m., TNT), I was most struck by the scene, late in the film, when Capt. Miller, the taciturn character played by Tom Hanks, reveals that back home he was an English teacher. In that very moment, we’re shown how combat can turn a small-town, bookish guy into a reluctant hero.

That’s something to think about when we scan the honor roll of the fallen, shown with sad frequency on “The News Hour With Jim Lehrer” (6 p.m., KSPS) and other news broadcasts.

Don’t look for “Threshold.” CBS juggles its schedule to air “Close to Home” (9 p.m., CBS).

In tonight’s “Close,” Bruce Davidson (“Runaway Jury”) guest-stars as a defense attorney who tries to scuttle Annabeth’s (Jennifer Finnigan) case by shifting blame from his client to the victim’s parents. “Close” will return next Friday night, too.

The next “Threshold” airs Nov. 22.

Other highlights

Lifetime celebrate the 20th anniversary of “The Golden Girls” (Noon) with an 11-hour marathon.

A deceased convict seeks forgiveness on “Ghost Whisperer” (8 p.m., CBS). I bet he’s after “closure,” too.

Scheduled on “Dateline” (8 p.m., NBC): facts and fables about the birth of Jesus.

Strangers in the back yard on “Bernie Mac” (8 p.m., Fox).

Everyone’s favorite aquatic goofball searches for his beloved pet snail on “SpongeBob SquarePants” (5 p.m., Nickelodeon).

Malcolm and his lab partner share chemistry on “Malcolm in the Middle” (8:30 p.m., Fox).

“Costas NOW” (9 p.m., HBO) recalls the 1963 Army-Navy game and profiles American Basketball Association star Marvin Barnes.

Homicidal burglaries in a posh locale on “Numb3rs” (10 p.m., CBS).

Scheduled on “20/20” (10 p.m., ABC): greed and the pursuit of happiness.

Four comics reveal their private lives on “Comedians of Comedy” (11 p.m., Comedy Central).

Cult choice

Dorothy, three escorts and “her little dog, too” get digitally remastered in a new print of the 1939 fantasy “The Wizard of Oz” (9 p.m., TBS), broadcast for the first time.

Series notes

Twin terrors on “Supernanny” (8 p.m., ABC) … Wrestling on “WWE SmackDown!” (8 p.m., UPN) … Dan Cortese guest-stars on “What I Like About You” (8 p.m., WB).

On two episodes of “Reba” (WB), romance blooms (8:30 p.m.), and an internship avoided (9 p.m.).

A Girl Scout helped on “Three Wishes” (9 p.m., NBC) … A prior conviction may have been in error on “Killer Instinct” (9 p.m., Fox).

Time on the couch on “Hope & Faith” (9 p.m., ABC) … A popular daytime host on “Hot Properties” (9:30 p.m., ABC) … A big date ends badly on “Twins” 9:30 p.m., WB) … A “missing” woman’s fugitive years on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (10 p.m., NBC).

No comments on this story so far. Add yours!