‘Samurai Girl’ searches for meaning
Tonight’s might-see
“Samurai Girl,” 8-10 p.m., Family; concludes Sunday.
In Friday’s opener, a modern beauty named Heaven (Jamie Chung) was reluctantly marrying to please her father. Then warriors descended, killing her brother; and she barely escaped.
Now she must learn her role in an ancient prophecy. She also learns to fight with the help of Jake (Brendan Fehr).
In the second hour, Jake gets surprise news from his former girlfriend. She’s played by Stacy Keibler, of “Dancing With the Stars” and wrestling fame.
Other choices include
Sports overload. The daytime is filled with football, tennis and golf, but things don’t stop there. In prime time, ABC has NASCAR at 4:30 p.m.; CBS has U.S. Open tennis at 5, with the women’s finals.
“The Locator” debut, 9 and 9:30 p.m., WE. This show follows Troy Dunn, a real-life guy who finds long-lost loved ones. That brings some good moments in the first episode because the brothers – stocky, tattooed guys, separated when one was a toddler – are quiet sorts whose emotions ring true.
Sunday’s must-see
“True Blood” debut, 9 p.m., HBO.
Sookie Stackhouse doesn’t quite fit this backwoods town.
She’s a sweet-looking waitress who hears people’s thoughts. And she has a bubbly glee about something new. With synthetic blood, vampires no longer need be criminals. Many are in the open – and one has moved to town.
That launches a spree of envy, sex, violence and mystery. “True Blood” is a passionate and visceral series.
Alan Ball (“Six Feet Under”) beautifully adapted this from Charlaine Harris’ novels. He directed, with Anna Paquin leading a superb cast.
Sunday’s might-see
Video Music Awards, 9 p.m., MTV; red carpet at 8.
Russell Brand, who was brilliant as the rock star in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” hosts.
Performers are expected to include Rihanna, Pink, Lil Wayne and the Jonas Brothers. Also, expect lots of awards, plus odd surprises.
Other choices include
“America United: In Support of Our Troops,” 9-11 p.m., ABC. Janet Jackson, Jordin Sparks, Snoop Dogg and ZZ Top perform. So do country’s Toby Keith, Clint Black and Joe Nichols, plus country convert Jessica Simpson and comedians D.L. Hughley, Kathy Griffin and Carlos Mencia.