‘Players’ Could Use Some Improvement
“Players” (NBC at 8) is based on the premise that career con men know enough about their own that they would make good law officers.
It’s hardly an original idea, nor one that seems to work that well for stars Ice-T, Costas Mandylor and Frank John Hughes as three ex-cons who go to work for the FBI.
The latest drama from producer Dick Wolf (“Law & Order,” “New York Undercover”) lacks the edge of today’s hottest crime dramas. That’s intentional. But the mix of humor and action seems out of balance. The attempts at comedy turn the ex-cons into wise guys. And it’s hard to like a series when you don’t really like its stars.
In last week’s episode, the convicts - Ice (Ice-T), Alphonse (Mandylor) and Charlie (Hughes) - have arrived in Los Angeles, which now becomes their permanent base. They’re under the supervision of Special Agent Christine Kowalski (Mia Korf), a sorely needed female character.
In tonight’s episode, Ice goes undercover as a country rap star and Alphonse and Charlie pose as his managers. Their mission: catch a record-company owner (Mark Harelik) who is bilking his artists by selling his own line of bootleg CDs.
Katie Wright guests stars as a promising young singer, and Glen Campbell makes a cameo.
Simply put, “Players” is uninspired - smug and never surprising in a credible way. It’s not what Wolf does best. And it will have to get better fast if it’s going to last.
Highlights
“The Visitor,” FOX at 8: When a radio disc jockey spots an alien craft and talks about it on his show everyone but Adam (John Corbett) thinks it’s a “War of the Worlds”-inspired hoax.
Adam knows it’s true because he has an extraterrestrial on his trail.
“Family Matters,” CBS at 8:30: Urkel is haunted by “Stevil,” the ventriloquist’s dummy from hell, who this time has brought along an evil sidekick who’s a dead ringer for Carl.
“Dateline NBC,” NBC at 9: A report examines an alarming number of fatal railroad-crossing accidents in which motorists lose their lives trying to beat speeding trains. Also, an interview with Donald Trump.
“20/20,” ABC at 10: Barbara Walters interviews the parents of a 15-year-old boy charged with raping and murdering an 11-year-old boy.
Parents pick
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” CBS at 8: Now in its 21st year, this holiday special brings out the best of the Peanuts characters. This would be a good way to let the little ones settle down after they return from trick-or-treating. Warm up the hot chocolate and watch the smiles.
Cable Calls
“Monster Mania,” AMC at 7 and 9:30: Of the dozens of genre documentaries I’ve seen over the years, this one ranks among the best. Jack Palance narrates this tour that runs from silent classics to Hollywood’s latest horror movies. Not intended to be exhaustive or in-depth, it revisits some great flicks and provides a cogent perspective on why certain types of monster movies rose and fell in popularity. Palance is a cool choice as host.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actress, producer and talk-show host Oprah Winfrey, heavyweight boxing champion, Evander Holyfied and singer Sheryl Crow.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Model Naomi Campbell and singer Bobby Brown.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: Actor Dan Cortese.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: David Hyde Pierce (“Frasier”), Fred Savage (“Working”) and musical guest Delbert McClinton.