A&E’s ‘Random 1’ offers good deeds
Two young men scour America in search of good deeds that need doing.
No it’s not a new cartoon. It’s “Random 1” (10 p.m., A&E) the newest installment in the feel-good reality genre that has brought us “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”
I prefer to think of “Random 1” as “Three Wishes” with attitude, occasional profanity, and charity cases presented with an admirable lack of treacle and sentiment.
According to the voice-over, John and Andre met years ago and spent a lot of time arguing about the fate of the world. Then, in a vaguely explained moment that seems like something out of that forgotten film “Pay It Forward,” they decided to dedicate their lives, or at least their free time, to seeking out people who could benefit greatly from just a little boost.
In the first “Random 1” they come upon Bruce, a homeless former alcoholic construction worker who thinks life would be better if he only had a new prosthetic leg. Both guys have their doubts about Bruce, who it must be said, is not exactly ready for his Hallmark moment.
The “Random 1” backup team goes about the task of finding a prosthetic manufacturer willing to help out Bruce for free. The devices cost up to $20,000. That’s no small change.
But exposure on a basic cable show is worth a lot of money, too. Think they find a donor?
Brad Pitt narrates “RX For Survival” (8 p.m., KSPS) an ambitious three night, six-hour documentary series chronicling efforts of public health officials around the world to combat communicable diseases.
A documentary crew was riding with the New Orleans Police Department when Hurricane Katrina struck. The resulting film “NOPD: After Katrina” (10 p.m., Court) follows two officers trying to cope with calamitous weather, rampant civil unrest and rumors that hundreds of their fellow officers have gone AWOL.
An intimate film, “NOPD” presents the men as both police and as citizens dealing with losses of their own. It also helps viewers understand the grim logistics of the time and conditions that made for moral dilemmas.
Singer, songwriter and rock eccentric Neil Young appears on four consecutive nights of “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” (12:35 a.m., NBC). Conan’s other guests tonight include Brian Williams of NBC Nightly News and Susie Essman (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”).
Other highlights
Grisly remains in a grizzly’s stomach on “Bones” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-14).
Latitudes and attitudes on “The Amazing Race Family Edition” (9 p.m., CBS).
Joy’s pageant past revealed on “My Name is Earl” (9 p.m., NBC).
Suicide as a statement on “House” (9 p.m., Fox).
“Diagnosis Murder” (8 p.m., i) returns to the dial. In case you’re wondering, i is the network formerly known as Pax.
A Florida hurricane turns into a political crisis on “Commander in Chief” (9 p.m.).
On back-to-back episodes of “Everybody Hates Chris” (UPN), an eventful first day of school (9 p.m.), and tutor blues (9:30 p.m.).
Christians and Wiccans bicker over Halloween symbolism on “Boston Legal” (10 p.m., ABC).
“Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” (10 p.m., HBO) profiles Ron Artest of the NBA.
Cult choice
Years before “Survivor” Jane Seymour starred in the 1998 fantasy “The New Swiss Family Robinson” (5 and 9 p.m., WE).
Series notes
A boy reports his father’s kidnapping on “NCIS” (8 p.m., CBS) … Caroline Rhea hosts “The Biggest Loser” (8 p.m., NBC) … A bar pickup goes badly on “According to Jim” (8 p.m., ABC) … Tyra Banks hosts “America’s Next Top Model” (8 p.m., UPN) … Emotional bickering and pop culture zingers on “Gilmore Girls” (8 p.m., WB)
Budget woes on “Rodney” (8:30 p.m., ABC) … Drowning pools on “Supernatural” (9 p.m., WB) … Fists fly on “The Office” (9:30 p.m., NBC) … Secretive teens are accused of killing their parents “Close to Home” (10 p.m., CBS) … A shooting’s ugly motives on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (10 p.m., NBC).