‘Motown’ may offer musical treats
Well, don’t expect to see Michael Jackson doing the moonwalk, or anything else as exciting as that “Motown 25” special. But “Motown 45,” a two-hour special airing on ABC at 8, ought to have its charms.
The producers promise a celebration of the songs, with “no awards, speeches, tributes or clip packages.” Instead, the music hardly stops.
Performers include the legendary Motown studio band the Funk Brothers, along with The Four Tops, Jermaine Jackson, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson, The Temptations, and original Supremes Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong. There are also plenty of ringers, including the Backstreet Boys, Macy Gray, Nick Lachey, Kelly Rowland and Joss Stone.
Lionel Richie and Cedric the Entertainer host.
Followed at 10 by an hour of “Super Millionaire.”
Highlights
“Yes, Dear,” CBS at 8: Greg gives Jimmy and Christine a wedding video, but naturally it causes more trouble than it’s worth.
“American Idol Special,” Fox at 8: The network milks yet another hour from its three finalists. Followed at 9 by an hour of the truly heinous “The Swan.”
“Fear Factor,” NBC at 8: In the season finale, family teams return for a competition that finds the kids up to their shoulders in Madagascar hissing cockroaches. Or are those reality-show producers?
“Still Standing,” CBS at 8:30: Bill accidentally picks up a Super Bowl ring and doesn’t want to let go.
“Everybody Loves Raymond,” CBS at 9: Robert and Ray meet a man who actually looks up to Frank.
“Las Vegas,” NBC at 9: While investigating counterfeit bills at the Montecito, Danny is called back into active service and readies to ship out in 24 hours. Season finale.
“Colonial House,” KSPS at 8: Premiere. Yes, the reality show virus has infected PBS.
A group of modern Americans and Brits visits New England as it was in 1628. Their “hands-on history experiment” is to build a working colony using only the tools and resources of the time, all the while dealing with the different social issues.
“Superstar USA,” WB at 9: Premiere. A new reality show from the producer of “The Bachelor,” which basically dupes some really terrible singers into thinking they’re going to be the next American idol. Nasty.
“Two and a Half Men,” CBS at 9:30: Charlie faces Judith’s divorcee support-group. Think he’ll hit on them?
“CSI: Miami,” CBS at 10: Gary Sinise and Melina Kanakaredes (“Providence”) guest as Big Apple CSIs in an episode that finds Horatio and company journeying north to work on a case with their counterparts there. In other words, it’s the back-door pilot for next season’s “CSI: New York.”
“The Restaurant,” NBC at 10: Rocco confronts his co-owner face to face in front of the staff — and the lunch crowd.
Family Fare
“7th Heaven,” WB at 8: Season finale. Matt wants to save his marriage, but does he still have feelings for Heather? And will Simon’s return cause problems for Cecilia?
Cable Cast
Baseball, ESPN at 4: White Sox at Indians.
NBA playoffs, TNT at 5.
“Dessert Beauty: Jessica Simpson,” QVC at 6: OK, here’s a first we’re recommending a home shopping show. But not since Cher’s hair-care infomercial a decade ago has there been an hourlong pitch with so much potential for camp entertainment.
“Dirty Harry,” Cinemax at 10: Clint. The big gun. A serial sniper From 1971.