‘Arrested’ may be at end of line
Tonight, viewers can witness the opening of one of the year’s premiere TV events, as well as the probable end to a critically acclaimed and innovative comedy, albeit one that has been more loved and admired than watched.
Justine Bateman and Judge Reinhold guest-star in the two-hour third-season finale of “Arrested Development” (8 p.m., Fox). While this is being billed as a season – and not a series – ender, the chances of “Arrested” returning to the Fox lineup remain somewhere between slim and nonexistent.
A rumor that Showtime would pick up the show produced by Ron Howard’s Imagine Entertainment (and narrated by Howard, as well) gave fans some hope of a fourth season. And some felt that the quirky comedy would be a perfect fit for the premium network’s provocative schedule.
But the recent TV critic’s tour came and went without a peep from Showtime about getting “Arrested.”
Katie Couric and Bob Costas host the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony (8 p.m., NBC) from Turin, Italy. Look for the smarty-pants Costas to keep the fact-boiler stoked. I can already hear the informed patter: “Did you know Turin was home to Italy’s automobile industry? Katie, the sports world has moved from a Detroit Super Bowl to an Olympic Games in Italy’s own Motor City. …”
Couric will keep the focus where it belongs – on the emotional stories of athletes and their proud and tearful families. Our heartstrings have already been plucked by the tale of Michelle Kwan’s probable swan song. Will it be bathed in a golden glow, settle for a silver lining or boil down to a bronze?
If you’re confused about the hundreds of events, you’re not alone. You can stay on top of scheduled meets, get results, read Turin-based blogs, and even e-mail questions and comments to athletes on www.nbcolympics.com.
Other highlights
Orphan spirits find solace on “Ghost Whisperer” (8 p.m r, CBS).
Jesse Bradford and Erika Christensen star in the chlorine-soaked teenage-angst drama “Swimfan” (8 p.m., WB).
Two rebellious rottweilers and an incorrigible corgi get their day with “The Dog Whisperer” (8 p.m., National Geographic).
An informant may be linked to a fringe group’s bank robbery spree on “In Justice” (9 p.m., ABC).
A celebrity shutterbug snaps his last picture on “Numb3rs” (10 p.m., CBS).
A hostage crisis on “Battlestar Galactica” (10 p.m., Sci Fi).
Series notes
The results are read on “Dancing with the Stars” (8 p.m., ABC) … Two teens are held for murdering their parents on “Close to Home” (9 p.m., CBS).