‘American Idol’ coming across as cruel
It comes as no surprise that “American Idol” (8 p.m., Fox) has returned as the nation’s favorite show, attracting up to 40 percent of all TV viewers in some markets.
But just as “Idol” has come to resemble a school talent pageant, it has also begun to reflect the darker side of playground popularity and conformity.
It was impossible to ignore the persistent mean streak in last week’s “Idol.” And I’m not just talking about Simon Cowell’s caustic commentary.
If, as we are repeatedly informed, “Idol” was besieged with tens of thousands of would-be warblers, then why did the show devote so much attention to sad cases? Like a schoolyard bully drunk with power and popularity, “Idol” took its sweet time ridiculing the simple-minded and savaging perceived “sissies.”
It’s understandable that bad auditions have become part of the show’s template. But deliberate cruelty is neither entertaining nor amusing.
Things on “Lost” (9 p.m., ABC) have been a tad intense of late. In just the past two weeks we’ve witnessed Eko’s horrific life story and the disintegration of Jack’s marriage.
And let’s not forget a seven-hour “miracle” surgery ending in failure and death.
So wasn’t it fun to watch Hurley and Charlie kicking back in the mystery bunker and slapping some unrecognizable albums on the turntable? The best moment arrived when Sayid popped into the room and declared, “This music is thoroughly depressing.”
Any show that has a former member of the Iraqi Republican Guard acting as a music critic is OK in my book.
On tonight’s “Lost,” folks begin to worry that Charlie has returned to his drug problems. And so far they don’t even know about his secret stash of statues.
Sawyer will encourage Hurley to pursue his “desert island” crush.
Of course, all of this takes place with our knowledge that Grizzly Adams and his ominous posse still lurk in the bush. The sudden arrival and disappearance of so many jungle torches in last week’s episode reminded me of this show’s “Survivor” elements.
That’s not to mention the bearded bad guy’s resemblance to “Survivor” star Rupert Boneham. Is Jeff Probst one of the “Others”?
If so, I have a feeling that “Lost” is going to end with one heck of a tribal council.
With a hit movie, an Oscar and a top-selling single and album, Jamie Foxx has had the kind of year any performer would envy.
The star of “Ray” has his own special tonight, “Jamie Foxx: Unpredictable” (8 p.m., NBC), featuring supporting talent from the fields of soul, pop, gospel and hip hop.
Filmed at the historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles, “Unpredictable” showcases Foxx performing with Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Angie Stone, Snoop Dogg, The Game and Common.
Other highlights
Catch up with the competition with four consecutive hours of “Project Runway” (8 p.m., Bravo).
One suspect stands out on “Criminal Minds” (9 p.m., CBS).
Plastic surgery makes a corpse even harder to identify on “Bones” (9 p.m., Fox).
“The War that Made America” (9 p.m., KSPS), a documentary look at the French and Indian War, concludes.
Risk abounds on “CSI: NY” (10 p.m., CBS).
A deathbed confession reopens a painful case on “Law & Order” (10 p.m., NBC).
Deja vu on “Invasion” (10 p.m., ABC).
Cult choice
A poet (Javier Bardem) survives oppression in Castro’s Cuban dictatorship and escapes to New York in the 2000 drama “Before Night Falls” (7:35 p.m. IFC) from painter-turned-director Julian Schnabel.
Series notes
Decor woes on “Still Standing” (8 p.m., CBS) … Hitting the books on “George Lopez” (8 p.m., ABC) … Under-dosed on “One Tree Hill” (8 p.m., WB) … Made to be broken on “Yes, Dear” (8:30 p.m., CBS) … Feeling diminished on “Freddie” (8:30 p.m., ABC) … Working for scale on “The Biggest Loser: Special Edition” (9 p.m., NBC).