Real life partners connect in ‘Ghost’

Fri., Aug. 29, 2008

By MIKE HUGHES Gannett News Service

Tonight’s might-see

“Ghost Whisperer,” 8 p.m., CBS.

Here’s a rerun of the episode that linked Jay Mohr with his real-life wife, Nikki Cox.

He plays Professor Payne, a semiregular on the show. (Next month, he stars in a fun CBS comedy series, “Gary Unmarried.”) She plays his former lover, paying a visit; his wife’s ghost is not pleased.

Tonight’s might-see II

“On the Waterfront” (1954), 5 p.m., Turner Classic Movies.

This may be the best-acted movie of all time.

Marlon Brando won an Academy Award as an embattled dock worker. Eva Marie Saint won in support.

Three supporting actors – Rod Steiger, Lee J. Cobb and Karl Malden – were nominated, splitting the vote. (Edmond O’Brien won.) There were six more Oscars, ranging from best picture to best black-and-white cinematography.

It’s a great one, on a day focusing on an immense talent. “Brando,” a three-hour documentary, is at 2 p.m.; “Mutiny on the Bounty” is at 7 p.m.

Other choices include

College football, 4 p.m., ESPN Classic, Temple at Army, and 5 p.m., ESPN, Southern Methodist at Rice. The college season gets an August start. Saturday will bring two games on ABC and at least five more on basic cable.

“Win a Date With Tad Hamilton” (2004), 8-10 p.m., ABC. Kate Bosworth plays a bright-eyed West Virginia clerk who wins a date with a movie star (Josh Duhamel), while her friend (Topher Grace) fidgets. Robert Luketic drew praise for his direction, as he did with “Legally Blonde” and “21.”

“America’s Toughest Jobs,” 8 p.m., NBC. Here’s a quick rerun of the so-so Monday debut, with cubicle-dwellers working a fishing boat. Many are overwhelmed; one is ousted.

“Numb3rs,” 9 p.m., CBS. After killing a serial killer, a former Marine has troubles. The law is after him; also, his family has been kidnapped.

“Swingtown,” 10 p.m., CBS. Planning a surprise party for Janet, Susan is working with Janet’s husband. The surprises are soon out of control.

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

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