‘Outsourcing’ looks at India’s view
Television’s “Thomas Friedman Reporting” may not be quite as good as Thomas Friedman reporting in print, but it’s definitely worth watching.
Tonight’s show, at 10 on the Discovery Channel, finds the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, author and commentator looking at “The Other Side of Outsourcing.” Friedman travels to India, following American jobs to their new homes in Bangalore.
There are two sides to the story, of course — are these jobs a golden opportunity for a nation that’s still largely impoverished? Or do learning to “sound American” and an influx of cash pose threats to Indians’ traditional values?
Highlights
NHL Stanley Cup Finals, ABC at 5: Game 5, Calgary Flames at Tampa Bay Lightning.
“Scream 2” (1997), Fox at 8: Second in the series of funny, scary serial killer meta-movies, with Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Sarah Michelle Gellar and many more.
“Friends,” NBC at 8: Rerun with Ross getting hammered at dinner with Rachel.
“Pepsi Smash,” WB at 8: Black Eyed Peas, Rooney, Jessica Simpson, J-Kwon and New Found Glory perform in the studio, and we hear the Cure at RFK Stadium in Washington.
“Come to Papa,” NBC at 8:30: Premiere. Comedian Tom Papa stars in this domestic sitcom. Haven’t seen it. Not going to bother.
If they premiere a show in June, between two repeats, it isn’t going to be around very long, and probably for a reason.
“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” CBS at 9: Interesting rerun about the investigation of a grocery store shootout.
“Will & Grace,” NBC at 9: Repeat with Mira Sorvino as the one woman who’s ever had sex with Will.
“Scrubs,” NBC at 9:30: Rerun. J.D. and Danni (Tara Reid) are spending more time together.
“Without a Trace,” CBS at 10: Repeat on the disappearance of a motivational speaker who has a few secrets.
“ER,” NBC at 10: Repeat with Bob Newhart as a depressed architect who’s losing his sight. Or was he a musician who’s losing his hearing? Something depressing, anyway. Insert ominous, sad music here.
Family Fare
“Joan of Arcadia,” CBS at 8: Rerun. God tells Joan to throw a bash while her parents are away. Not what you’d expect from God, huh?
Cable Cast
NBA playoffs, ESPN at 5: Detroit Pistons at Indiana Pacers, Game 7, if necessary.
Adam Sandler double feature, USA at 8: The tolerable “Happy Gilmore” (1996), followed at 10 by the unbearable “Billy Madison” (1995).
“Celebrity Poker Showdown,” Bravo at 9: Timothy Busfield and Danny Masterson are among the players, but the smart money is backing James Woods. He went to MIT, you know.
“The First 48,” A&E at 10: Premiere. Yet another true-crime show, this one following homicide detectives in the crucial first hours.