All-Star Game actually matters
Tonight at 5, it’s time for the 75th annual Major League Baseball All-Star Game, live from Houston on Fox.
And remember, these days the outcome actually matters.
After the embarrassing tie-game nightmare of two years ago, MLB and Fox came up with what seems like a pretty good idea: the league that wins the All-Star Game gets home-field advantage in the World Series.
American League starters include both Pudge Rodriguez and A-Rod, plus Manny Ramirez and Derek Jeter. The National League starters boast a pretty impressive set of bats, with Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr. and Sammy Sosa.
Joe Buck and Tim McCarver will call the action, with downtown reports from Jeanne Zelasko and Kevin Kennedy.
If the All-Star Game isn’t your paper cup of overpriced beer, you might want to dial up KSPS at 10 for “P.O.V.” Tonight’s film is “Thirst,” which looks at water shortages and corporate greed from impoverished Third World areas to sunny California.
The show suggests that in the decades to come the politics of water could be as complex and divisive as those of oil.
Highlights
Sitcom reruns, ABC at 8: “8 Simple Rules,” “I’m With Her,” “According to Jim” and “Less Than Perfect.”
“Navy NCIS,” CBS at 8: A Marine recruiter is gunned down. Repeat.
“Last Comic Standing,” NBC at 8: Two hourlong episodes. Intrigue increases as the number of comics in the house is cut down to six.
“Big Brother 5,” CBS at 9: More back-stabbing housemate hijinks.
“NYPD 24/7,” ABC at 10: Documentary series finds a neighborhood uproar over a police shooting.
“The Amazing Race,” CBS at 10: The teams tear across South America.
“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” NBC at 10: The discovery of a criminology student’s rape and murder leaves the detectives looking for a forensics expert. Repeat.
Family Fare
“Gilmore Girls,” WB at 8: Repeat. Rory keeps running into a guy who turned her down when she suggested they go out, and she is humiliated when she hears he’s telling everyone she’s obsessed with him.
“Summerland,” WB at 9: Ava worries about Bradin’s relationship with his wild girlfriend, Sarah, and even Bradin has his doubts. Plus Derrick misinterprets human relations once again, on a camping trip. New episode.
Cable Cast
“Blow Out,” Bravo at 9: Like its workplace-reality-show-predecessor, “The Restaurant,” this show’s main story line seems to be the simmering tensions between the proprietor — Beverly Hills hairdresser Jonathan Antin — and, well, everyone else in the place. In tonight’s season finale, it all comes to a head.
“I Love the ‘90s,” VH1 at 9: Expect to see M.C. Hammer, Joey Buttafuoco and Billy Ray Cyrus. What’s really frightening is that I still know how to spell Buttafuoco.
“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” Bravo at 10: Repeat of James M.’s makeover.
“Nip/Tuck,” FX at 10: Big episode for Julian McMahon as Christian, who fights for custody of Gina’s child.
Late Night Talk
“Late Show with David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Will Smith of “I, Robot” and musical guest Jet.
“Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” NBC at 11:35: Sharon Stone, Chris Matthews and Brandy.
“Jimmy Kimmel Live,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.
“Late, Late Show with Craig Kilborn,” CBS at 12:35: Michael Weatherly from “Navy NCIS,” Bridget Moynahan and comedian Bob Marley.
“Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35: Caroline Rhea and Burning Brides.