‘CMA Fest,’ ‘Pawn’ both promising
Two new shows stand out tonight.
On CBS at 9, it’s two hours of “The CMA Music Festival: Country Music’s Biggest Party.” The real-life attraction of this four-day Nashville, Tenn., event is a chance for fans to meet and greet their favorite stars face to face; there’s no equivalent in Hollywood or rock ‘n’ roll.
But for TV viewers the fun will focus on performances by stars including Willie Nelson with Pat Green, Rachel Proctor with Uncle Kracker — on his crossover hit “Drift Away” — Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride, new sensation Gretchen Wilson and many more.
Those in the market for something more serious might want to dial up HBO at 10 for “Hitler’s Pawn,” the story of a Jewish woman athlete who trained to compete for Nazi Germany in the 1936 Olympic Games. She’s alive and living in the United States and tells her own emotional story.
Highlights
“My Wife and Kids,” ABC at 8: Two repeats, followed at 9 by two new episodes of “The Drew Carey Show,” which is long past its expiration date, and, at 10, “The Ultimate Love Test.”
“60 Minutes,” CBS at 8: Three segments that weirdly seem to have a common theme of American neurosis — one on convicted domestic diva Martha Stewart, one on the obesity epidemic, and one on an obsessed dad trying to create the next Tiger Woods.
“That ‘70s Show,” Fox at 8: Donna tells Eric that it’s bad luck to see her wedding dress before the big day, so you know what’s going to happen. A funny repeat.
“Next Action Hero,” NBC at 8: As so many Hollywood stars have learned, it’s tough to film an underwater action sequence when you’re really hung over.
“Star Trek: Enterprise,” UPN at 8: Back-to-back repeats. First Archer travels back to this century to stop a Xindi plan, then the Triannons — aliens from planet Stevienicks? … Sorry — take over the ship.
“Smallville,” WB at 8: Back-to-back repeats, with Clark facing kryptonite issues in the first and a comatose girl in the second. All the music for the second episode is by R.E.M.
“Quintuplets,” Fox at 8:30: When the Chases and the evil Helbergs are up for the same car commercial, Bob is ready for war. Meanwhile, Penny begins dating a Helberg to punish her parents.
“Law & Order,” NBC at 9: Back-to-back repeats. A floater in the Hudson River leads to a judicial scandal, and the most-hated Yankees fan in New York is stabbed to death at a dive bar.
“The Simple Life 2,” Fox at 9: Paris and Nicole stay with some Texas hippies and find them a little creepy.
“Method & Red,” Fox at 9:30: The guys’ plans to build a sports arena depend on Red wooing guest star Carmen Electra, and neighbor Nancy feels the two are a bad influence on Skyler.
Family Fare
“Right on Track,” DIS at 8: Dad inspires daughters to become drag racers. Based on a true story.
Cable Cast
“Alligator” (1980), Sci Fi at 7: Robert Forster stars and John Sayles wrote the screenplay. Like “Tremors” (1990), it’s one of the better attempts at capturing that classic 1950s B-movie style.
Followed tonight at 9 by the much lesser “Alligator II” (1991).
“Venice Flood Gates,” DSC at 9: I’m biased — I was there in April — but this hour on efforts to prevent the great Italian city from going under sounds like high drama.