‘Crime Fighting’ Goes Only So Far

Something’s missing from NBC’s “The Future of Crime Fighting” at 8.

You may come away with good feelings after watching Richard Belzer (“Homicide: Life on the Street”) host this report on the latest high-tech gadgets for apprehending criminals.

But the hour suggests that rounding up suspects is the critical battle in the war against crime. Some of the gadgets may make police work safer and easier. I’m all for that. Don’t think for a minute, however, that the expensive hardware is the cure for America’s crime epidemic.

How many more prisons can we build? Not that there’s a guarantee that, once captured, violent criminals will end up behind bars or spend much time there if they are incarcerated.

Belzer shows off a variety of tools - infrared night scopes, robots that go where officers dare not tread, and shoulder-fired net-guns that entangle fleeing suspects, as well as genetic breakthroughs that produce strong evidence once a case goes to trial.

It makes for an entertaining hour - real-life cops and robbers stuff. Never mind how little this means when it comes to facing the larger issues.

But you’re unlikely to see a February ratings “sweeps” special on education or jobs. It wouldn’t be sexy enough.

Highlights

“The Churchills,” KSPS at 7: Anglophiles will revel in this impressive history of the British family, which focuses mainly on statesman Winston Churchill (1874-1965). Those unfamiliar with the former prime minister will be surprised to know that he overcame political setbacks before becoming one of the 20th century’s great leaders.

“Ellen,” ABC at 8: Give a good physical comic an outrageous prop and sit back and watch the results. In a wild outing, Ellen (Ellen DeGeneres) sets out to free a giant lobster displayed in a restaurant tank. Mary Tyler Moore, a devoted friend of animals, appears as herself.

“The Drew Carey Show,” ABC at 8:30: This series’ story lines have a sameness that seems to waste Carey’s talents. He’s in a management jam again this week as he must decide whether he’ll hire Lisa, Mimi or Kate (Katy Selverstone, Kathy Kinney, Christa Miller) to fill a management opening.

“The Good Doctor: The Paul Fleiss Story” (1996), CBS at 9: Searching for a new way to repackage sleaze, the network turns to the story of “Hollywood Madam” Heidi Fleiss as seen through the eyes of her gentle and generous father.

Michael Gross plays the good doctor. Tricia Leigh Fisher (daughter of Connie Stevens and Eddie Fisher) plays the bad daughter. George Segal and Cindy Pickett co-star. Unavailable for review.

“Party of Five,” FOX at 9: Talk about a cliffhanger! Last week’s episode ended with Julia (Neve Campbell) showing Justin (Michael Goorjian) the positive results of her pregnancy test. The Salingers react to the crisis. Coincidentally, Bailey (Scott Wolf) and Sarah (Jennifer Love Hewitt) consider having sex for the first time. Jake (Carroll O’Connor) returns and sets out to persuade Claudia (Lacey Chabert) to play the violin again.

“PrimeTime Live,” ABC at 10: Scheduled is a profile of Lori Berenson, convicted of treason for assisting Marxist guerrillas in Peru.

Cable Calls

“The History of the World - Part I” (1981), COM at 8: Comedy Central may be the last suitable place to screen this mishap in the career of director Mel Brooks. A series of sketches ranges from mildly funny to flat and inane.

The cast includes Brooks, Dom DeLuise, Madeline Kahn, Gregory Hines, Harvey Corman and Cloris Leachman. Sid Caesar provides one of the few bright spots. (TV grid listing above was prepared before program was announced.)

“Real World Reunion,” MTV at 9:30: In case you missed it Saturday, MTV repeats this gathering of cast members from the first four seasons of the “real-life” series. Participants review clips and take questions from a studio audience.

Talk Time

“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actress Linda Fiorentino and fitness guru Richard Simmons.

“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actress Susan Sarandon and singer Wynonna.

“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Musical guest Pam Tillis.