Raw Ranch’ may be worth a look
Ah, you have to love Showtime. A boring summer night, and it comes up with a made-for-cable movie about a Nevada brothel that has warnings for nudity, violence, adult language, adult content and strong sexual content.
But here’s the weird thing: It might be worth watching.
Why? It stars Amy Madigan of “Carnivale” (2003), “Pollock” (2000), “Riders of the Purple Sage” (1996) and a gazillion more. And it was directed by Susan Seidelman, whose career began with “Smithereens” (1982) and “Desperately Seeking Susan” (1985) but who has been working mostly in TV lately, including “Sex and the City.”
Madigan plays a recently widowed single mom who runs The Diamond Ranch, a legal brothel outside of Reno. Jennifer Aspen, Jessica Collins, Samantha Ferris, Nicki Micheaux, Paige Moss and Bonnie Root star as her working girls.
They’re the 2004 equivalent of the World War II movie platoon — racially and socially assorted, each with different problems. “The Ranch” airs at 9 p.m.
OK, but what else is on?
Highlights
ABC at 8: Reruns of “My Wife and Kids” and three other sitcoms, followed at 10 by the next installment of that Diane Sawyer series on very special weddings.
“Still Standing,” CBS at 8: Lauren’s caught shoplifting. Repeat.
“North Shore,” Fox at 8: Nicole’s handsome and successful fiance arrives at the hotel, but to Jason’s surprise, he hits it off with the guy. Meanwhile Tessa must contend with a convention of astronomers in town for a meteor shower that happens only every 70 years — and it’s clouding up.
NBC at 8: On “Fear Factor,” the episode is highlighted by a swamp swim stunt involving an alligator. Followed at 9 by “For Love or Money” and at 10 by “Who Wants to Marry My Dad?”
“Yes, Dear,” CBS at 8:30: Greg’s going to discipline Jimmy’s kids. Yeah, that’ll work. Repeat.
“Everybody Loves Raymond,” CBS at 9: No secret between Ray and Debra is safe. Repeat.
“The Casino,” Fox at 9: Mark Burnett’s reality series finds casino owners Tim and Tom racing to work for $5,000 and dealing with a psychic who seems to be handing out winning numbers.
“History Detectives,” KSPS at 9: Is that Wisconsin tub really a D-Day landing craft?
“Two and a Half Men,” CBS at 9:30: Charlie sleeps with Alan’s divorce lawyer, who’s played by Charlie Sheen’s former “Spin City” co-star, Heather Locklear. A fun repeat.
Family Fare
“7th Heaven,” WB at 8: Lucy and Kevin celebrate their first anniversary and wonder if they’re ready to start a family. Repeat.
“Summerland,” WB at 9: Jay’s old knee injury is keeping him from the local surfing competition, but Erika has a plan. And Ava wants to get the house organized. Repeat.
Cable Cast
Baseball, ESPN at 4: Atlanta Braves at Montreal Expos.
“Identity” (2003), Cinemax at 8: The only movie on tonight that even buffs may have missed. John Cusack, Ray Liotta and Amanda Peet top the cast of a freaky little thriller about a reign of terror at a desert motel during a rainstorm.
“Airline,” A&E at 10: Second season premiere of the reality show.
Late Night Talk
“Late Show with David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Ellen DeGeneres and musical guests the Strokes. Repeat.
“Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” NBC at 11:35: Laura Bush, Daniel Tosh and Everlast. Repeat.