Charles Dutton gives ‘Racing’ authenticity
Tonight’s must-see
“Racing for Time,” 9-11 p.m., Lifetime.
Charles Dutton brings passion and power to this true-life story. He directed and stars as a Texas prison guard who organized a track program for his teen women prisoners.
The casting strains credibility: This seems like a prison for models; also, Dutton (who has a shot-putter’s body) hardly passes for a former sprinter.
Still, Dutton brings the talent and the depth to overcome all. He has three Emmy awards, two Tony nominations and seven years’ experience as a Maryland prisoner; he fills “Racing” with a rich humanity.
Tonight’s might-see
“Miracle” (2004), 8-11 p.m., ABC.
The 1980 Winter Olympics had the ultimate mismatch – the skilled hockey pros of the Soviet Union against a bunch of American college kids.
That story is told here, with Kurt Russell as real-life coach Herb Brooks. His young co-stars were chosen partly for their believable athletic skill.
Other choices include
“Flashdance” (1983), 4 p.m., TV Land. Jennifer Beals is a steelworker who doubles as a dancer.
“Jericho,” 8 p.m., CBS. Here’s a quick rerun of Tuesday’s season opener. It spends way too much time with revenge schemes but propels “Jericho” toward what could be stronger hours ahead.
“On Golden Pond” (1981), 5 p.m., Turner Classic Movies. A warm comedy-drama gets too sweet at times but has subtly perfect performances by Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn; both won Academy Awards.
“Torchwood,” 9 p.m. BBC America. Gwen’s boyfriend Rhys thinks she’s a regular cop. Then he stumbles onto one of her missions, something to do with an outer-space alien that keeps growing. The result is an exceptionally good episode, putting bigger-than-life fantasy alongside basic emotion.
“Garden State” (2004), 6-8 p.m., Independent Film Channel. Zach Braff wrote, directed and starred in this immensely charming film. He plays a drifting actor who returns home and meets a charmingly quirky woman (Natalie Portman).
Sunday’s must see
“Knight Rider,” 9-11 p.m., NBC.
Let’s credit NBC for trying to inject high-octane action.
We can’t guarantee “Knight Rider” will be good, but it will be pretty. It has a handsome war veteran, an attractive grad student and a gorgeous car.
All are smart, especially the car. It talks, urging the humans to save its creator. It also morphs and jumps and more.
Tonight’s might-skip
“Dexter,” 10 p.m., CBS.
Since childhood, Dexter (Michael C. Hall) has had the instincts of a serial killer. Now he channels them; he kills killers, tortures torturers.
This is a Showtime series that is moving to CBS (which is toning down the tortures) to fill a gap created by the strike.
In fairness, “Dexter” is smartly written and beautifully filmed. In a new Television Week poll, critics picked it as the third-best show on TV.
We’ll dissent. We consider the lead character a blank automaton and the show dark, distant and uninvolving.
Other choices include
“American Gladiators,” 7-9 p.m., NBC. The eight-week tournament wraps up. One man and one woman will each win $100,000 and become a gladiator next season.
“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 8-10 p.m., ABC. This focuses on a boy who is blind and disabled. The team remodels his house to help him follow his goal of becoming a musician and a leader.
“Nature: Arctic Bears,” 7 p.m., KSPS. Polar and grizzly bears have mastered different terrains. Now the shrinking of the polar ice cap may doom one, while the other thrives. PBS illustrates that with gorgeous photography.
“The Wire,” 9 p.m., HBOHD. McNulty’s scheme – creating a fake killer to get extra funding – is spinning out of control. This is becoming a fascinating tale.
“Brothers and Sisters,” 10 p.m., ABC. In a new episode – the last one available for now – Nora (Sally Field) begins to have second thoughts about Isaac (Danny Glover).
“Breaking Bad,” 10 p.m., AMC. Walt had been careful not to tell his wife that he’s dying of cancer, making meth and he has killed two people. Under pressure, he finally tells her, but only the first part. It’s another great hour.
“Whitest Kids U’ Know,” 8-9 p.m., IFC. This sketch comedy show is wildly erratic but has its moments. “The Never Song” is quite clever.