Hallmark’s ‘Thanksgiving’ based on Alcott story

Tonight’s must-see

“An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving,” 9 p.m., Hallmark Channel. Before her “Little Women” novel brought fame, Louisa May Alcott wrote short stories. Now this one has been expanded.

A rich woman gets a letter, supposedly from her estranged daughter, who says her husband was taken by gypsies. In truth, this was written by a granddaughter; it causes two strong women to collide.

Alcott’s story is the weakest element. The real strength is in the rich production values.

Jacqueline Bisset stars, but the others – including talented director Graeme Campbell – are Canadian. Using beautiful Quebec settings, they’ve crafted a solid period piece.

Tonight’s might-see II

“Saturday Night Live,” 11:29 p.m., NBC. The show keeps piling up new episodes. This one is hosted by Tim McGraw, with music by Ludacris and T-Pain.

Sunday’s must see

“24: Redemption,” 8 p.m., Fox. The “24” formula has been contorted a tad. Instead of a 24-episode tale covering one day, we get a two-hour movie covering … well, two hours.

Jack Bauer has been ducking a federal investigation. Now he’s in Africa, where a deeply decent friend is trying to keep kids away from the rebels.

By “24” standards, this starts slowly. Then the action begins; taut and exciting, it demands that we suspend disbelief.

Wedged in are glimpses of the new U.S. president and her problems. We’ll see more in January, when a 24-hour adventure begins.