‘Grid’ plot from war on terrorism
TNT’s “The Grid,” a limited series premiering for a four-week run tonight at 9, follows “24” in the tricky field of making drama out of the war against terror.
“The Grid” looks to be a little more realistic than Fox’s over-the-top “24,” though, as it opts for a wide-focus look that’s been compared to the big-screen hit “Traffic” (2000) and its panoramic view of the drug war. No surprise there, because the BBC co-production shares an executive producer with the original British miniseries “Traffik.”
Julianna Margulies (“ER”) stars as a national security adviser and Dylan McDermott (“The Practice”) is an FBI agent in a drama that encompasses interagency rivalries between U.S. and Brit spies as well as the inner workings of a terrorist cell that launches a sarin gas attack on London in the opening episode. Jemma Redgrave also stars.
Highlights
Family sitcom night, ABC at 8: Repeats of “My Wife and Kids,” “George Lopez” and “According to Jim,” followed at 9:30 by the new special “Funniest Families of Television,” hosted by Faith Ford of ABC’s “Hope & Faith.” Expect the special to deliver just enough clips from the Petries, Bunkers and Barones to make you realize how lame those other three shows are.
“Still Standing,” CBS at 8: School dance brings parental meddling. Repeat.
“North Shore,” Fox at 8: Dennis Rodman and Melissa Joan Hart check in. So does the vice president’s daughter.
“Fear Factor,” NBC at 8: Reality-game repeat followed by new episodes of the even less appealing “For Love or Money” and “Who Wants to Marry My Dad?”
“Yes, Dear,” CBS at 8:30: Jimmy has a movie idea and wants Greg’s help pitching it to the studio. Repeat.
“Everybody Loves Raymond,” CBS at 9: The boys meet a guy who actually looks up to their dad. This understandably throws their world view into crisis. Repeat.
“The Casino,” Fox at 9: Trouble between the partners and comedy is not so funny.
“Two and a Half Men,” CBS at 9:30: Charlie tries to warm up Judith’s frosty support group. Repeat.
“CSI: Miami,” CBS at 10: Rapper Xzibit guests in an episode centered on the hip-hop security business. Repeat.
Family Fare
“7th Heaven,” WB at 8: Usher guests as Eric’s radio producer as their talk show fields a call from a suicidal student. Repeat.
“Summerland,” WB at 9: Bradin’s relationship with wild Sarah has everyone on edge. Repeat.
Cable Cast
Baseball, ESPN at 5: St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs.
“TV Movie Superstars: Women You Love,” LIFE at 8: The cable channel salutes movies in which women in peril still manage to look fabulous. Needless to say, Jaclyn Smith is on hand.
“American Chopper,” DSC at 10: Making deadline for the movie-promo “I, Robot” bike proves a challenge.
“Capturing the Friedmans” (2003), HBO at 10: Controversial documentary about a father and son accused in a child molestation case.
Late Night Talk
“Late Show with David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Denzel Washington and sportscaster Jim Rome.
“Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” NBC at 11:35: Sen. John McCain.