Lifetime stirs up ‘Memory Keepers’
Tonight’s must-see
“The Memory Keeper’s Daughter,” 9 p.m., Lifetime; reruns Sunday and Monday.
In 1964, a picture-perfect couple is set for parenthood. He (Dermot Mulroney) is a doctor. She (Gretchen Mol) is a blonde beauty. Then comes a decision that transforms lives. We won’t spill any plot secrets. This subtly crafted tragedy managed to also be warm and uplifting.
With bigger networks abandoning movies, Lifetime has access to the top people. Playwright John Pielmeier (“Agnes of God”) adapted Kim Edwards’ book, with Mick Jackson (“My Bodyguard,” “Tuesdays With Morrie”) directing.
Emily Watson, a two-time Oscar nominee, is superb as the nurse. Emma Colbert and Krystal Nausbaum share the role of Phoebe, providing fresh waves of warmth and hope.
Tonight’s might-see
“Saturday Night Live,” 11:29 p.m., NBC. Ashton Kutcher hosts, with music by Gnarls Barkley.
Other choices include:
Auto racing, 5 p.m., Fox. It’s a 500-mile race from Phoenix International Raceway.
“Classical Baby: The Poetry Show,” 6 p.m., HBO. Here is classic poetry for kids – done with such skill that grown-ups will like it. The animation is sparingly beautiful, and the readers – Gwyneth Paltrow, Andy Garcia, etc. – are ideal. We even hear poets Langston Hughes and Gertrude Stein in their own voices.
“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” (2002), 8-11 p.m., ABC. The second Potter film is fun, with some dark turns. Kenneth Branagh is first-rate as a self-centered teacher.
“48 Hours: The Lord’s Boot Camp,” 8 p.m. CBS. In a change of plans, CBS airs this view of three teen girls, training to be a Christian missionaries.
“Lone Rider,” 9-11 p.m., Ion. An earnest soldier finds his hometown in crisis. A solid cast includes Lou Diamond Phillips, Stacy Keach and Vincent Spano.
Sunday’s must-see
Desperate Housewives,” 9 p.m., ABC.
One of TV’s best series is finally back, with post-tornado troubles. Carlos is blind; Bree is staying with Susan. More complications are coming. Over the next six weeks, we’ll learn what secret Katherine Mayfair has been hiding.
Sunday’s must-see II
PBS’ “Masterpiece: A Room With a View,” 8 p.m. KSPS channel 7, 9 p.m. KCDT Channel 26.
If Andrew Davies isn’t knighted soon, we’ll do it ourselves. He’s a master at turning old books into fresh fun.
He’s done a great job on this E.M. Forster novel. We get all the humor of rich folks abroad, plus characters to care about.
Irish actress Elaine Cassidy is terrific in the lead. The fine supporting cast includes Timothy and Rafe Spall as father and son, which they are.
Other choices include
“Oprah’s Big Give,” 8 p.m., ABC. Before next week’s finale, the last three contestants get a chance to visit home.
“Everybody Hates Chris,” 8 p.m., CW. Chris tries to get an ex-con into high school.
PBS’ “Nature,” 7 p.m. KSPS channel 7, 8 p.m. KCDT Channel 7. Here’s the second half of a delightful look at courting rituals.
“Dirt,” 10 p.m., FX. This so-so hour has two funerals, one piercing Lucy’s cold facade.