HBO pays tribute with ‘Mantle’
With its hagiographic documentary “Mantle” (9 p.m., HBO), HBO completes a trilogy of offerings (after “61” and “Nine Innings from Ground Zero”) celebrating the New York Yankees.
The premium network’s obsession with the Bronx Bombers borders on religious obsession. And, like too many zealots, it seems indifferent or contemptuous of other people’s faiths.
Are the high priests at HBO even aware that there are 29 other teams in the Major Leagues?
But the HBO-New York Yankees association is a natural one. With their many World Series trophies and Emmys, both institutions consider themselves the gold-plated franchise of their respective endeavors.
But recently, both teams have been playing well below expectations.
Even with their gargantuan payroll, the Yankees find themselves south in the standings. And lately, HBO has offered up such bush-league fare as “Unscripted,” “Carnivale” and “The Comeback.”
The Yankees aren’t playing like a $200 million team, and HBO has been asking subscribers to fork over a monthly premium for an onslaught of shows of little interest to people who do not obsess about life in the entertainment industry.
As they say, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” It’s time for HBO to step up its game.
“Mantle” explores Mickey Mantle’s life as player, legend and man. It includes interviews with his wife, children and fellow Yankees, including Moose Skowron, Tommy Tresh and Yogi Berra.
We also hear from fans who worshipped Mantle when they were young boys, including several who just happen to be HBO regulars, including Billy Crystal (director of “61”), Ed Harris (“Empire Falls”) and Richard Lewis (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”).
And, of course, Bob Costas (“Costas Now”) speaks at some length.
In this film, Mantle emerges as the Elvis Presley of baseball, a photogenic country boy with audacious natural gifts and a morbid relationship with a deceased parent that helped fuel, or at least explain, a voracious appetite for self-destruction.
A satisfying film that is certain to being tears to all baseball fans of a certain age, “Mantle” frustrated this viewer with its curious musical score.
Here, after all, is the story of an Oklahoma boy who conquered New York during the ring-a-ding days of the Stork Club. But do we hear the twang of country guitars or the smooth sounds of a ‘50s crooner?
No, the film features swelling strings and the maudlin fiddle music that has been the staple of documentaries since Ken Burns’ “Civil War.” I half expected to hear that Mickey Mantle had been wounded at Gettysburg.
Nine undisciplined and thoroughly unpleasant teens embark on a transformative adventure in the wilderness in the new series “Brat Camp” (8 p.m., ABC). There’s nothing here that wasn’t in those “Outward Bound” movies they forced us to watch in social hygiene classes some years back.
OK, in this show the counselors do take “Earth names” like Mother Raven. I don’t know what I find less appealing – spending hours with a disturbed youth, or a granola healer who calls himself Mountain Wind.
Other highlights
Tommy Hilfiger hosts “The Cut” (8 p.m., CBS).
One week after its conclusion, the gang gets retrospected on “Beauty and the Geek” (8 p.m., WB).
On back-to-back episodes of “Law & Order” (NBC), the war comes home (9 p.m.), and death at the track (10 p.m.).
A real nail-biter on “The Inside” (9 p.m., Fox).
“American Masters” (8 p.m., KSPS) profiles director George Stevens.
Tryouts and flameouts on “Rock Star: INXS” (9:30 p.m., CBS).
Gang members target a wine store on “CSI: NY” (10 p.m., CBS).
Charlie goes cold turkey on “Lost” (10 p.m., ABC).
Cult choice
Desperate treasure seekers (played by a who’s-who of comedians) look for a big payoff in the 1963 comedy “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” (8 p.m., AMC).
Series notes
Old clips on “Most Outrageous TV Moments” (8 p.m., NBC) … Lindsay Lohan guest-stars on “That ‘70s Show” (8 p.m., Fox) … On back-to-back episodes of “Eve” (UPN), a joint effort (8 p.m.), and three’s a crowd (8:30 p.m.) … A new employee on “Stacked” (8:30 p.m., Fox,).
Domestic unrest on “King of Queens” (9 p.m., CBS) … A music mogul’s daughter vanishes on “Veronica Mars” (9 p.m., UPN) … A toxic spill on “Smallville” (9 p.m., WB).