‘Inventor’ prone to gadgetry

Thu., March 23, 2006

Kevin Mcdonough United Feature Syndicate

Casting calls continue in San Francisco and Chicago on “American Inventor” (9 p.m., ABC).

The patent office variation on “American Idol” enjoyed strong ratings last week, due in large part to the absence of the dominant CBS lineup of “Survivor,” “CSI” and “Without a Trace.”

What’s not to like about “Inventor”? OK, the proliferation of bathroom-related gadgets is a tad disturbing, but any series that puts an accent on thinking and ingenuity can’t be all bad.

Speaking of ingenuity, the new, imported British comedy “Ed vs. Spencer” (8 p.m., BBC America) puts a British spin on “Jackass”-style pratfalls. Cameras follow two slackers as they participate in seemingly random and pointless competitions, such as “who can lose the most weight?”; who can get the most female attention?”; and “who can stay handcuffed the longest?”

Ed and Spencer take very different approaches to their contests. Diligent Spencer appears to believe in research, hard work and preparation. Ed has the confidence of a decadent natural.

“Ed vs. Spencer” is part of a block of comedies airing Thursdays. The block includes “Bromwell High” (8:30 p.m., BBC America), an unremarkable cartoon about high school, and the second season of “Look Around You” (9 p.m., BBC America), an inspired parody of science films and filmstrips from the 1970s.

“The Showbiz Show with David Spade” (10:30 p.m., Comedy Central) enters it second season. The “Saturday Night Live” alumnus provides snarky commentary on the week’s doings in movies and television, with the emphasis on the vain excesses of the boldfaced name set.

Other highlights

Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renee Zellweger, Richard Gere and Queen Latifah star in the 2002 musical “Chicago” (7 p.m., Bravo).

Katrina victims need help on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (8 p.m., ABC).

A karmic quest brings back memories of Y2K on “My Name is Earl” (9 p.m., NBC).

Seth and Summer need help on “The O.C.” (9 p.m., Fox).

Sharon Lawrence, Mika Boorem and Tim Matheson star in the 2006 made-for-TV drama “Augusta, Gone” (9 p.m., Lifetime), about a teen’s life shattered by drug use.

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