Fox’s ‘Free Ride’ lacks credibility
An aimless youth invades an empty nest on the new sitcom “Free Ride” (9:30 p.m., Fox). In a programming move that is sure to confuse all, “Free Ride” “previews” after tonight’s 90-minute “Idol” only to “premiere” in its regular time slot Sunday, March 12.
Josh Dean stars as Nate, a recent college grad who returns to his small Missouri town armed with a diploma and bereft of a clue as what to do with his life. Before he even arrives in his parent’s driveway, he spies one reason to stick around – Erin Cahill stars as the fetching, flirty bank clerk, Amber Danwood.
Nate’s parents, Margo (Loretta Fox) and Bob (Allan Havey), appear surprised by his return and his plans to stick around. And this show’s few touches of credibility begin to dissolve whenever they are on screen. Bob and Margo are supposed to be in marriage counseling. But, in the logic of sitcoms, this simply allows them to talk about sex without regard to boundaries or to the fact that their son is in the room. Speaking of rooms, they surprise Nate with the fact that they’ve turned his room into a shrine to exercise equipment.
We’re told that this means he must sleep in the garage – a fact that makes no sense, unless they’ve turned their huge McMansion into a two-bedroom home.
Nate’s folks aren’t the only eccentrics in his path. While shopping for an air mattress for his garage exile, he runs into Mark Dove (Dave Sheridan), a wild and crazy high school acquaintance who promises to act as Nate’s guide to the town’s party scene.
Color me confused. The 25th annual edition of “The Barbara Walters Oscar Special” (10 p.m., ABC) airs four nights before the Academy Awards, and of the five people interviewed, only one has anything remotely to do with the Oscars.
George Clooney certainly belongs here. Nominated for directing and co-writing “Good Night and Good Luck” and for his supporting role in “Syriana,” he is the first person to receive three Academy Award nominations for two different films. Other interviews include Patrick Dempsey (“Grey’s Anatomy”), Matthew McConaughey and singer Mariah Carey.
Other highlights
Howie Mandel hosts “Deal or No Deal” (8 p.m., NBC).
A fight for survival on “American Idol” (8 p.m., Fox).
A killer returns after a two-decade hiatus on “Criminal Minds” (9 p.m., CBS).
On two episodes of “Law & Order” (NBC), Van Buren breaks the rules (9 p.m.), and no good choices (10 p.m.).
Claire returns to the scene of her kidnapping on “Lost” (9 p.m., ABC).
The British lifestyle series “Cash in the Attic” (6 p.m., BBC America) enters its third season.
A game of tag turns ugly on “CSI: NY” (10 p.m., CBS).
Down to the last three on “Project Runway” (10 p.m., Bravo).
“Science of the Bible: Rivals of Jesus” (10 p.m., National Geographic) looks at the faiths and prophets that competed for followers in the early days of the Christian faith.
Cult choice
A 30-something woman, Catherine Keener (“Capote”), freaks out when her best friend (Anne Heche) gets engaged in the 1996 comedy “Walking and Talking” (4:30 p.m., IFC).
Series notes
On two episodes of “Still Standing” (CBS), coaching (8 p.m.), and my bad (8:30 p.m.) … The prodigal brother on “George Lopez” (8 p.m., ABC) … Danger in the corridors on “One Tree Hill” (8 p.m., WB) … A new eatery on “Freddie” (8:30 p.m., ABC).