‘Shell Seekers’ exposes family greed
Tonight’s must-see
“The Shell Seekers,” 9-11 p.m., Hallmark Channel. Several levels above most Hallmark Channel films (which teeter near adequacy), here is a movie worth catching.
There’s a deep story, beautiful settings and an A-level cast. The result is even better than the 1989 “Hallmark Hall of Fame” version that starred Angela Lansbury.
Vanessa Redgrave plays the daughter of a famed artist (Maximilian Schell in flashbacks). She’s surrounded by schemers who want her paintings, by good people who want her joy and by mixed memories.
Beautifully directed by Piers Haggard, this offers rich, emotional filmmaking.
Tonight’s might-see
“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” 8-11 p.m., ABC.
C.S. Lewis’ novel is turned into a special-effects movie that is big, lush and well-meaning. It’s also a bit too episodic.
Other choices include
Car-racing, 4 p.m., Fox. Here’s NASCAR’s Spring Cup race from Richmond, Va.
“E.T.” (1982), 4-6:30 p.m., TV Land. Here is one of the great films of all time. The slender story of a boy and his alien was directed with uncommon grace and skill by Steven Spielberg. The result is alternately warm, funny and exciting.
“CSI: Miami,” 8 p.m., CBS. In this rerun, a baby sitter’s parents have been killed.
“Medium,” 8 p.m., NBC. This is a rerun of the episode in which David Arquette directed his sister, Patricia. She plays Allison, who turns deaf after dreaming of a deaf girl who has been kidnapped.
“Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” 9 p.m., NBC. Probing a murder in this rerun, Goren goes undercover as a prisoner.
“Robin Hood,” 9 p.m., BBC America, preceded by rerun at 8. One part of this story – raiding a booby-trapped room filled with treasure – strains credibility beyond repair. But the other part, with Maid Marian expected to entertain a rich gambler, has clever surprises.
“Saturday Night Live,” 11:29 p.m., NBC. Jonah Hill (“Superbad”) hosts, with music by Mariah Carey.
Sunday’s might-see
“Desperate Housewives,” 9 p.m., ABC. The neighborhood is suddenly overrun by ex-husbands. Last week, it was Katherine’s ex, who’s not dead after all. Now Susan’s is back. Lynette has bigger problems, figuring out who burned down Rick’s new pizza place. The twins say they did; tonight, she’ll learn the truth.
Sunday’s might-see II
PBS’ “Masterpiece: Cranford,” 8-10 p.m., KSPS channel 7; 9-11 p.m. KCDT channel 26. Elizabeth Gaskell’s 1853 novel created a village, filled with strong women and old traditions. Now that comes alive in a three-week miniseries. Judi Dench and Eileen Atkins are perfect as elderly sisters. Things are stirred up by the arrival of younger people, including Simon Woods (Gaius Octavian in the final year of “Rome”) as the new doctor and Julia Sawalha (the “Absolutely Fabulous” daughter) as a colonel’s daughter. The first two weeks end harshly, though. Don’t catch them unless you plan to watch all three.
Other choices include
“The Bourne Supremacy” (2004), 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., TBS. Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) still can’t remember who he is, so there’s room for this slick, fast-paced sequel.
“Monk,” 8 p.m., NBC.This show is at its best when Adrian Monk is on unfamiliar turf. This time, Monk – a suit-and-tie kind of guy – investigates a murder at a nude beach.
PBS’ “Nature: Superfish,” 7 p.m., KSPS channel 7; 8 p.m. KCDT channel 26. There’s some spectacular footage here, as we follow Rick Rosenthal photographing giant marlins, sailfish and swordfish.
“Cold Case,” 8 p.m., CBS. With the next two Sundays devoted to “Survivor” and the Academy of Country Music awards, “Cold Case” wraps up its season tonight. A woman is convinced she saw her son, who supposedly died in a fire three years ago.
“The Tudors,” 9 p.m., Showtime. Last week’s hour was fierce, with the beheading of Cardinal Fisher and Sir Thomas More. Tonight, mobs attack churches; also, Anne Boleyn scrambles to find a royal marriage for her baby daughter.