‘Heroes’ builds on NBC strength
Save the cheerleader, save the world? Or merely save the network?
NBC has enjoyed the success of “Heroes” (9 p.m., NBC), one of the bona fide hits to emerge from the past TV season and one of the bright spots for the beleaguered Peacock network.
The first season of “Heroes” concludes tonight with as crowded a cast and as complicated a story arc as one can possibly follow on a TV drama. To begin to explain this comic-book prophecy of a nuclear explosion in New York, and a cockeyed caravan of gifted mutants with special abilities and baffling motivations is beyond the scope of a mere TV column.
The series seems to be an organic outgrowth of NBC-Universal’s strength in science-fiction storytelling. “Battlestar Galactica” tops many viewers’ lists as one of the best dramas on any outlet – cable or network.
And it often struck me that the series “Eureka” and “The 4400” (on USA) were stronger dramas than some on network television.
The distinctions between cable and network have become more porous. Last week, NBC announced that starting next season it will move “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” to USA but would reserve the right to air repeats of the show on NBC. The season finale airs tonight.
When I look back at this season of “24” (8 p.m., Fox), concluding tonight with a two-hour finale, I’m reminded of last year’s “American Idol” signature sign-off: “So you’ve had a bad day. …”
This has been a bad day for Jack Bauer and a bad year for “24,” but there’s no reason things can’t improve. Fox, as if channeling Scarlett O’Hara, assures everyone that “tomorrow is another day” and has renewed the series for two more seasons.
Other highlights
The competition continues on “Dancing with the Stars” (8 p.m., ABC).
“Cities of the Underworld” (9 p.m., History) explores the caves of Budapest.
The countdown continues on “50 Most Shocking Celebrity Scandals” (9 p.m., E!).
In search of a terrorist on “CSI: Miami” (10 p.m., CBS).
Two ladies in search of one ring on “The Bachelor” (9 p.m., ABC).
Dahlia tries to bond with her daughter on “The Riches” (10 p.m., FX).
Logan gets too close to a case on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (10 p.m., NBC).