Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

‘Great Pumpkin’ returns to small screen

Kevin McDonough United Feature Syndicate

Linus dominates the 1966 animated special “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” (8 p.m., ABC). This is arguably the best of the holiday treats featuring the “Peanuts” characters created by the late Charles Schulz. (In full disclosure, “Peanuts” and this column are distributed by United Feature Syndicate.)

I can’t help feeling that “Great Pumpkin” would have a hard time making it to the airwaves in today’s cultural climate. Just as “A Charlie Brown Christmas” would be considered too religious by contemporary standards, “Great Pumpkin” trades in themes some might consider dangerously pagan or pantheistic.

After all, the blanket-clutching Linus professes a personal belief in an autumn squash with Higher Powers.

Timid network executives would probably nix Lucy’s endorsement of psychology. Schroeder’s Beethoven obsession would be too Eurocentric for some tastes. Dead White Men and all that.

And seriously, who – outside of a Starbucks – listens to jazz any more? Ditch that Vince Guaraldi score and find something edgier!

Snoopy’s delusion that he is a World War I flying ace would also find itself on the cutting-room floor. After all, today’s TV geniuses would never give young viewers credit for having any knowledge of World War I.

Like the great bald hero of the “Peanuts” universe, I find myself banging my head against a tree and crying out, “Good grief!”

For an example of current holiday “cheer,” you might sample “Santa’s Slay” (9 p.m., Spike), a Christmas-themed horror-comedy about Santa Claus (Goldberg of wrestling fame) reverting to a demonic personality and spreading the gift of fear. Just in time for the holidays, it contains nudity and violence.

Donald Sutherland finds himself starring in two competing programs, as the miniseries “Human Trafficking” (9 p.m., Lifetime) concludes and the hit series “Commander in Chief” (9 p.m., ABC) continues. Sutherland’s scheming Speaker of the House Nathan Templeton provides a smart balance to “Commander.”

We’ve seen personal makeovers and home renovations. Are viewers ready for “Restaurant Makeover” (9 p.m., Food)? And no, this series will not focus on egomaniacs like Rocco DiSpirito but instead will chronicle the transformation of mom-and-pop eateries into more modern, attractive and profitable dining spots.

Other highlights

The Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox meet in Game 3 of the World Series (5 p.m., Fox).

As Rory’s 21st birthday nears, mother and daughter remain estranged on “Gilmore Girls” (8 p.m., WB)

If it’s Tuesday, it must be Burkina Faso, on “The Amazing Race: Family Edition” (9 p.m., CBS).

Marion Ross (“Happy Days”) guest-stars as Milo’s mother on “Sex, Love & Secrets” (9 p.m., UPN). Catch this “Desperate Housewives” knockoff before it disappears!

International intrigue, bribery and political corruption take center stage as corporations struggle for possession of the world’s largest gold mine in “The Curse of Inca Gold” on “Frontline/World” (9 p.m., KSPS).

A petty thief discovers the power of karma on a repeat of the pilot episode of “My Name is Earl” (9:30 p.m., NBC).

A murderer claims divine inspiration on “Close to Home” (10 p.m., CBS)

Alan craves affection on “Boston Legal” (10 p.m., ABC).

Cult choice

A scientist “goes too far” with hideous results in the 1958 sci fi classic “The Fly” (7, 9 and 11 p.m., Fox Movie Channel).

Series notes

Bored soldiers’ wives run a racy Web site on “NCIS” (8 p.m., CBS) … Caroline Rhea hosts a 90-minute edition of “The Biggest Loser” (8 p.m., NBC) … Tyra Banks hosts “America’s Next Top Model” (8 p.m., UPN).

More tricks than treats on “Rodney” (8:30 p.m., ABC) … A college town gets the hook on “Supernatural” (9 p.m., WB) … A series of drug-related slayings on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (10 p.m., NBC).