Discovery looks at ‘First WMD’
As we approach the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Discovery Channel devotes three hours to the war with Japan.
“Hiroshima: The First Weapon of Mass Destruction” (8 p.m. tonight, Discovery) includes historic footage of the massive secret operation to develop the first atomic weapon, as well as interviews with those present at its creation. Eyewitnesses also describe the destruction that resulted from the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
“Hiroshima” explores military and political realities that surrounded the decision to launch the atomic bomb for the first and, to date, only time.
“Hirohito: Emperor of War” (10 p.m. tonight, Discovery) re-examines Japan’s wartime leader in light of recently discovered diaries and memoirs, which offer new evidence about his involvement in Japan’s long, brutal war on its Asian neighbors and the decision to attack the United States.
Closer to home, but also of historic interest, “The Law That Changed America” (6 p.m. tonight, MSNBC) commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Until the passage of this law, many black Americans in the South were denied the basic right to vote.
“The Law That Changed America” repeats at 6 p.m. Sunday.
The two-hour special “Ape to Man” (9 p.m. Sunday, History) glances back on the 150-year search for the origins of man.
Using special effects, computer graphics and dramatic re-enactments, “Ape” recalls the 1856 discovery of the skeleton that would be called Neanderthal Man, the seismic intellectual explosion that resulted from Darwin’s work “The Origin of the Species,” and the long search for the “missing link” – evidence that would prove that a single creature could represent the leap from primate to human.
The search for the next “Desperate Housewives” begins with “Weeds” (11 p.m. Sunday, Showtime), a new series debuting tonight before airing in its regular slot on Wednesday nights.
Mary-Louise Parker (“The West Wing”) stars as Nancy Botwin, a recently widowed mother of two boys who finds herself saddled with debt and subject to the pity and judgment of her neighbors in a snooty housing development. To make ends meet, she has begun to work as a pot dealer to her affluent neighbors and fellow PTA members.
Apparently, the folks at E! did not receive news of the dismal ratings and cancellation of “Princes of Malibu,” so they will continue to foist “Filthy Rich: Cattle Drive” (10 p.m. Sunday, E!) on a disinterested public. In this “reality” spectacle, the rich and spoiled offspring of celebrity boxers, actors and singers take to the open range. I’m rooting for the coyotes.
The Canadian comedy series “Slings & Arrows” (8 p.m. Sunday, Sundance) is set in a Shakespearean theater festival undergoing some serious problems. More than just a backstage soap opera, “Slings” looks at the politics of courting corporate sponsors, the unhinged behavior of high-strung divas, and the sad, sinking feelings of longtime professionals who realize that they’ve completely sold out their artistic integrity.
” Some people don’t feel validated unless they have someone with a British accent telling them what to do. “American Princess” (7 p.m. Sunday, WE) is a competition between a bevy of American beauties to be accepted into British royal society.
Today’s highlights
“Jack Nicklaus: The Greatest Champion” (3:30 p.m., ABC) reflects on the golfer’s life and career.
Paul Winfield stars in the 1974 sports drama “It’s Good to Be Alive” (5 p.m., Fox Movie Channel) about Dodgers catcher Roy Campanella adjusting to life in a wheelchair after a 1959 accident.
Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton and Cate Blanchett star in the 2001 comedy “Bandits” (8 p.m., ABC), directed by Barry Levinson.
Scheduled on “48 Hours Mystery” (9 p.m., CBS): two boys write a murder mystery screenplay.
Two murders in the smut trade yield surprising suspects on “Law & Order” (9 p.m., NBC).
Neil Patrick Harris guest-stars on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (10 p.m., NBC).
Sunday’s highlights
Repeat stories scheduled on “60 Minutes” (7 p.m., CBS): a curious plea bargain with a serial killer; Cirque du Soleil; Hilary Swank.
Out-of-control mold on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (8 p.m., ABC).
Cheerleaders go bad in the 2001 drama “Sugar & Spice” (8 p.m., WB).
Feelings run high as Founder’s Day approaches on the sandy soap “Beach Girls” (8 p.m., Lifetime).
Morgan Freeman and Tea Leoni star in the 1998 feel-bad thriller “Deep Impact” (9 p.m., CBS).
Gabrielle throws a charity fashion show on “Desperate Housewives” (9 p.m., ABC).
Witness protection can’t guard a family from itself on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (9 p.m., NBC)
The hunt for Jordan’s assassin on “The 4400” (9 p.m., USA).
The new series “The Girls Next Door” (9 p.m., E!) examines life at the Playboy mansion.