‘3 lbs.’ light on originality
I am greatly respectful of Stanley Tucci, star of the new series “3 lbs.” (10 p.m., CBS).
But casting does not a great series make. “3 lbs.” follows closely in the “House” tradition, with Tucci starring as Doug Hanson, a brilliant neurosurgeon with no bedside manner and a flagrant disdain for social graces.
But unlike Hugh Laurie’s House, who likes to think out loud and say whatever comes to mind, Hanson is more cryptic and withdrawn.
It’s a brand-new show, but a lot seems very familiar.
FYI: The show’s title refers to the average weight of the human brain.
William Shatner hosts “Show Me the Money” (9:30 p.m., ABC), a game-show variety hour that owes a little to both “Deal” and “Dancing with the Stars.”
Teams try to make it to the top of the world on the six-part series “Everest: Beyond the Limit” (10 p.m., Discovery).
“Nova” (7 p.m., KSPS) showcases “A Family That Walks on All Fours,” a film about members of a large family in remote Turkey who never learned to walk upright. Is their condition a genetic mutation? A step back in evolution? Or is it cultural? It’s a fascinating hour.
Other highlights
Homecoming weekend brings added pressures on “Friday Night Lights” (8 p.m., NBC).
A surrogate pregnancy ends badly on “Standoff” (8 p.m., Fox).
Stranded in Siberia on “The Unit” (9 p.m., CBS).
Fran Drescher guest-stars on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (9 p.m., NBC).
A father awakens from a 10-year coma on “House” (9 p.m., Fox).
Three teen victims share the same tattoo on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (10 p.m., NBC).