Tom Selleck appears on ‘Legal’
Tom Selleck guest-stars on an episode of “Boston Legal” (10 p.m., ABC) that includes all of the cute and “touching” tricks and comedic quirks that viewers of “LA Law,” “Ally McBeal” and “The Practice” have come to expect from writer-producer David E. Kelley over the years.
Let’s start with the cute. Shirley Schmidt’s (Candice Bergen) ex-husband Ivan (Selleck) surprises her with news of his impending (and sixth) marriage and asks Shirley to be his “best man.” He says it’s because Shirley remains his best friend, but it’s clear that he still carries a torch for her.
Meredith Patterson guest-stars as Missy, Ivan’s much younger bride-to-be. She’s a chirpy musical-theater type, who may or may not be a snide dig at Broadway’s Kristin Chenoweth. Her efforts to work numbers from “The Sound of Music” into her vows provide plenty of opportunities for the sardonic Murphy – I mean Shirley – to roll her eyes and cluck in exasperation.
On the poignant front, Alan (James Spader) and Denny (William Shatner) take on the defense of a man (Maury Chaykin) accused in the mercy killing of his Alzheimer’s-stricken wife.
This resonates with Denny, who feels his own faculties are fading away. It also provides an opportunity for Alan to make his cause-of-the-week speech, this time about “death with dignity.”
Other highlights
Coverage of the XX Winter Olympic Games (8 p.m., NBC) continues.
The top-12 female vocalists perform on “American Idol” (8 p.m., Fox). This marks the first night that viewers can vote to save their favorite.
Teens fear the reaper in the 2003 horror movie “Final Destination 2” (8 p.m., WB).
“Nova” (7 p.m., KSPS) explores the 70-year effort to understand neutrinos, the invisible particles at the heart of matter.
“Frontline” (9 p.m., KSPS) offers “The Insurgency,” featuring chilling interviews and never-before-broadcast footage of Iraqis who have taken up arms against American forces.
Brass’ daughter needs help on “CSI” (10 p.m., CBS).
Vic mulls a move on “The Shield” (10 p.m., FX).
“Dealing Dogs” (10 p.m., HBO) looks at the illegal trade in canines to veterinary schools and research labs.
The documentary “Almost Home” on “Independent Lens” (10 p.m., KSPS) looks at a revolutionary nursing home.
Series notes
On two episodes of “NCIS” (CBS), McGee under suspicion (8 p.m.), and an effort to clear his name (9 p.m.) … “According to Jim” (ABC), between covers (8 p.m.) … A backstage pass on “Rodney” (8:30 p.m. ABC).