Best are left on ‘Nashville Star’

Tonight’s must-see

“Nashville Star,” 9 p.m., NBC. This former cable show is off to a so-so start in its first network summer.

Few contestants – chosen by the network, not the judges – have stood out. They’ve had a tough time, partly because of the odd time limits imposed.

Now, however, “Star” may start to click. There are only three episodes and only five contestants – good ones, mostly – left. And now comes what has usually been the show’s best week: Singers do original songs – either ones they wrote themselves or unpublished ones from someone else.

Tonight’s must-see II

“Freedom Writers” (2007), 7:55 p.m., Showtime, or “Million Dollar Baby” (2004), 8 p.m., AMC. Hilary Swank is a remarkably gifted actress and here are two examples. They have nothing in common except for Swank’s intensity.

In “Baby,” she’s a novice boxer. This is a tough, depressing ride, but brilliantly made. It won the Oscar for best picture, plus ones for Swank, co-star Morgan Freeman and director Clint Eastwood.

In “Writers,” she plays a real-life teacher who gave disadvantaged students a passion for writing. The story may seem too convenient, but it’s smartly written and directed by Richard LaGravenese and, of course, perfectly acted by Swank.

Other choices include:

“High School Musical: Get in The Picture,” 8 p.m., ABC. This hour wraps up the East Coast videos, as young singers compete for a video at the end of “High School Musical III.” Next Sunday and Monday bring the West Coast tryouts.

“The Closer,” 8 and 9 p.m., TNT. First is last week’s season opener, a pretty good one. Against the backdrop of a California wildfire, Brenda confronts an old nemesis, played by Jason O’Mara. Then comes a new episode in which a paroled killer has been run down by a hit-and-run driver.

“Wanna Bet” debut, 9 p.m., ABC. Celebrities make bets on whether people can do odd stunts. This opener has Tom Green, Sherri Sheppard, George Takei and Harland Williams.