ABC offers its own take on ”Idol”
Five become four as “American Idol” (9 p.m., Fox) marches toward its finale. And for those of you who can’t spend enough “Idol” moments, there is the much-ballyhooed expose “Fallen Idol” on “Primetime Live” (10 p.m., ABC).
The folks at ABC News have been very hush-hush about the contents of this tell-all, but it appears to be about the judges and their lack of objectivity. Shocking!
Anyone who follows this addictive popularity contest can see how “Idol” favors some talents and ignores others. Randy and Paula encourage Bo Bice, while Simon treats Scott Savol as if the would-be idol is a minor functionary at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
But as much as the judges try to slant things, the home audience still decides. And for reasons beyond reason, millions have decided that Scott and Anthony belonged in the top five.
Last year, Fantasia was clearly the judges’ favorite, but she was also clearly the most talented. And I always thought that the judges’ encouragement would backfire and deny Fantasia the prize.
It remains to be seen if “Fallen Idol” will besmirch the reputation of the popular show. But it is certainly another step on the path to ridiculous irrelevance for the “news” portion of TV news magazines.
TV Land kicks off its new series “Top Ten” (10 p.m., TV Land) with an appreciation and countdown of the 10 best “Wacky Neighbors” from the first 50 years of television, from “The Honeymooners” to “Everybody Loves Raymond.”
Like every entertainment survey, “Ten” consists of brief clips and commentary as well as a dizzying parade of brief observations by stars past and present, from Sarah Jessica Parker to Tom Hanks.
The documentary “I’m Still Here” (8 p.m., MTV) offers dramatic readings of the diaries of young witnesses to the Holocaust by actors including Elijah Wood, Ryan Gosling, Kate and Oliver Hudson, Brittany Murphy, Amber Tamblyn and Joaquin Phoenix. Moby composed the score.
Other highlights
A pop psychologist discusses abusive relationships on “A Dr. Phil Primetime Special: Escaping Danger” (8 p.m., CBS).
Contagious suspicions grow deadly on “Lost” (8 p.m., ABC).
Massey searches for his kidnapped stepson on “Revelations” (9 p.m., NBC). Fred Durst guest-stars as a satanic henchman.
Jack’s grave secret on “Alias” (9 p.m., ABC).
The sitcom/talk-show comedy “The Kumars at No. 42” (6:40 and 10:40 p.m., BBC America) enters a second season.
Danny needs help on “CSI: NY” (10 p.m., CBS).
A jockey’s murder upsets the eccentric racetrack set on “Law & Order” (10 p.m., NBC).
Cult choice
A Mexican agent (Charlton Heston) tangles with a corrupt cop (Orson Welles) in director Welles’ 1958 masterpiece “Touch of Evil” (10:30 p.m., Turner Classic Movies).
Series notes
On back-to-back episodes of “That ‘70s Show” (Fox), exotic opportunities (8 p.m.), and Hyde’s tough hide (8:30 p.m.) … Tyra Banks hosts “America’s Next Top Model” (8 p.m., UPN) … Clark and Lana discover an abandoned infant in a cornfield on “Smallville” (8 p.m., WB).
A shop owner stands in the way of gentrification on “Kevin Hill” (9 p.m., UPN) … Jack shoulders the blame for Missy’s death on “Jack & Bobby” (9 p.m., WB) … Pamela Anderson stars on “Stacked” (9:30 p.m., Fox).