Olympic track finals tonight

Thu., Aug. 21, 2008

By MIKE HUGHES Gannett News Service

Tonight’s must-see

Olympics, 8 p.m. to midnight, NBC. This was supposed to be the big day for the host country, with Liu Xiang as the favorite the 110-meter hurdles. He had to withdraw, however, because of a hamstring injury. Also lost to injury is U.S. hurdler Terrence Trammell. The event – now wide open – is one of many track finals shown 8-10 p.m. today. Women have the 200-meter run; men have the 400-meter run, the triple jump and the first half of the decathlon. Other finals are in women’s 10-meter platform diving (after 10 p.m.) and men’s beach volleyball (after 11 p.m.). That’s one of many track finals from 8-10 p.m. Women have the 200-meter run; men have the 400-meter run, the triple jump and the first half of the decathlon.

Other finals are in women’s 10-meter platform diving (after 10 p.m.) and men’s beach volleyball (after 11 p.m.).

Tonight’s oddity

“The Principal’s Office” debut, 9 and 9:30 p.m., Tru TV. For its first half-hour, this reality show is addictive fun. We see lots of teens in their principals’ office; most are amiable chaps with lame excuses.

The next episode reminds us that unquestioned power can be scary. One principal follows his rulebook so rigidly that a student must stay in school after vomiting twice. If she leaves, she can’t go to the prom.

Other choices include

More Olympics. NBC is 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (including the women’s water polo finals) and 12:35-2 a.m. Cable has USA from 2 a.m. to noon, MSNBC from 5 a.m.-5 p.m., CNBC from 5-8 p.m. and Oxygen, 6-8 p.m.

“Ugly Betty,” 8 p.m., ABC. Wilhelmina schemes anew when Daniel dates her sister.

“Grey’s Anatomy,” 9 p.m., ABC. George and Lexie try to like their awful apartment.

“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” 9 p.m., CBS. Six showgirls have been killed.

“Tabatha’s Salon Takeover” debut, 10 p.m., Bravo. Each week, Tabatha Coffey (“Shear Genius”) transforms a struggling hair salon. Her opening task is immense: An attractive married couple spent $750,000 on remodeling, with an oddly ugly result. Also, a 5-inch-thick manual robs employees of spark. Coffey arrives as the place nears financial ruin.

Mike Hughes covers television for the Lansing State (Mich.) Journal and Gannett News Service. Reach him at mhughes@lsj.com.

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