‘Caught On Tape’ Makes Usual Ufo Claim
Just when you thought the flood of Roswell UFO anniversary specials had subsided, FOX steps up with “UFO’s: The Best Evidence Ever Caught on Tape” at 8.
Jonathan Frakes (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”) hosts the hour.
The idea is that with so many people owning home video cameras, it was inevitable that someone would catch a UFO on tape.
I’m as skeptical as you can get when it comes to UFO claims, especially when I read lines in press releases such as “FOX presents what may be the most compelling video and film footage of flying saucers.”
Oh yeah? Then why not make the show available for review?
This special is by the producers of “Alien Autopsy: Fact or Fiction?” They wouldn’t let anyone see it in advance, either.
Books, films and television specials about UFOs are a full-blown industry. It’s all junk from the same heap.
If anyone had UFO video that held up to any kind of scrutiny, it would show up on “Nightline” or “60 Minutes,” not on a FOX special hosted by a sci-fi TV actor.
Highlights
“World of Discovery,” ABC at 8: “The Last Charge of the Rhino,” a 1996 documentary on the declining black rhinoceros population shows what various groups are doing to save the creatures from extinction.
“Fired Up,” NBC at 8:30: In a bit of utter nonsense, Gwen (Sharon Lawrence) is forced to make Guy (Jonathan Banks) her escort to a high-class social event, where he pretends he’s a Spanish count. Repeat.
“Everybody Loves Raymond,” CBS at 8:30: Ray (Ray Romano) is taught a lesson by his father Frank (Peter Boyle) when he complains about being treated like a child at his dad’s poker game. Before he knows what hit him, Ray has lost one game after another, until Frank has all his money.
Debra (Patricia Heaton) tries to get Ray to do the manly thing: Ask Daddy to please give it back.
This is pretty funny stuff, with Romano playing nicely off the veteran Boyle. Repeat.
“Lies of the Heart: The Story of Laurie Kellogg,” ABC at 9: The fact-based tale concludes with Laurie (Jennie Garth) accused of conspiring to kill her abusive husband. This is undistinguished movie-of-the week fare.
“Roar,” FOX at 9: A Druid boy-king, Glas (Carl Snell), teaches Conor (Heath Ledger) the responsibilities of leadership. But at the same time, Glas is targeted for assassination.
Cable Calls
“Win Ben Stein’s Money,” COM at 7:30 and 11:30: Deadpan actor-writer Stein hosts this quiz show that pits host against contestants. The less money the players win, the more Stein takes home.
The questions, from such categories as “Don’t Put Descartes Before the Horse,” are aimed at a highbrow audience, but expect Stein to otherwise keep it light.
The show will air Monday through Thursday.
“Making Babies,” DISC at 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.: A three-night documentary that tackles ethical issues posed by medical advances begins with “Genetically Correct.” The hour follows two couples who attempt to produce healthy babies despite their own defective genes.