TV’s best bets: Nova looks at new car technology
Tonight’s must-see
PBS’ “Nova: Car of the Future,” 7 p.m. on KSPS channel 7, 8 p.m. KCDT channel 26 and KUID channel 12. On an Earth Day stuffed with eco-programs, this hour stands out. Tom and Ray Magliozzi, of radio’s “Car Talk” lead an intelligent and far-ranging look. At the Detroit car show, they groan about 500-horsepower engines, but find promise in the Prius and the Chevrolet Volt prototype. At an alternative show in Boston, they try a micro-car that gets 100 miles a gallon, but has no reverse. Elsewhere, ideas range from hydrogen-powered buses in Iceland to hand-crafted electric cars from Tesla Motors in California. This smart, skeptical hour traces the potential and limits of ethanol, lithium-ion batteries and more.
Tonight’s might-see
“Saturday Night Live: Best of Chris Farley,” 8:30-10 p.m., NBC; “John Oliver: Terrifying Times,” 10 p.m., Comedy Central.
These reruns offer two great talents. The late Farley did sketch comedy, Oliver does stand-up, both are hilarious.
Other choices include:
Kids’ shows, 6 a.m. to noon, Disney Channel; daytime, PBS. Both channels have Earth Day themes. That includes new episodes of “Handy Manny” (9 a.m. Disney) and “Super Why” (9 a.m. KSPS channel 7). Kids will find those two moderately entertaining; adults won’t.
“American Idol,” 8 p.m., Fox.. It’s a night for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway songs. That means anything from the over-the-top rock of “Jesus Christ Superstar” to the power ballads of “Evita” and “Phantom of the Opera.”
“NCIS,” 8 p.m., CBS. When an arms dealer is killed NCIS director Jenny Shepard (Lauren Holly) is a prime suspect.
“Big Ideas for a Small Planet,” 9 p.m., Sundance Channel. This upbeat hour finds people in their 20s who are passionate about ecology. It ranges from eco-weddings to the plans of Guster and other rock bands.
“Work Out,” 10 p.m., Bravo. Late in this hour, the gym’s women (most of them heterosexual) become trainers on a lesbian cruise. There will be more next week, but for now many viewers will enjoy the bikini-shopping spree.
“The Riches,” 10 p.m., FX. In a raw and pivotal hour, Dahlia crumbles after learning that Pete was (accidentally) killed.
“Boston Legal,” 10:02 p.m., ABC. Alan argues an appeal in the Supreme Court; meanwhile, Katie learns a secret about Jerry’s too-beautiful girlfriend.
Also: There are many more Earth Day shows. PBS reruns a “Frontline” look at global warming at 9 p.m. (KSPS channel 7, KCDT channel 26) and follows at 10 p.m. with an “Independent Lens” visit to controversy in Picher, Okla. There are marathons on Current and HGTV and more.