Painful past returns in ‘Eternal Sunshine’
Tonight’s must-see
“The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004), 8 p.m., cable channel E.
Joel has a clear mind, unsullied by a painful past. But why do shards of memory pop in? And who is this appealingly eccentric stranger?
Here is another wondrously odd script by Charlie Kaufman, who wrote “Being John Malkovich.” Director Michael Gondry got perfect performances, led by a superb Kate Winslet and a refreshingly restrained Jim Carrey.
Tonight’s might-see
“Heroes,” 8-10 p.m., NBC.
If you missed the season-opener Monday, here’s a second chance. High-voltage events are packed together.
Complicating things is an overload of abilities. One person sidesteps a bullet; another steps into an alternate body. Two spring back to life. When characters lack limits, the drama starts to seem pointless.
Other choices include
“Samurai Girl,” 3-9 p.m., Family. Here’s the full, six-hour miniseries. A rich girl discovers an epic destiny. This looks great, but some of the writing and acting are wooden.
“CSI: Miami,” 8 p.m., CBS. Horatio’s son is missing after taking part in a prison escape.
“Primeval,” 8 and 9 p.m., BBC America. Things have been tough for Nick lately. He learned that his long-missing wife is an opportunistic cheat. He also returned through a time/space portal into a world kind of like the one he left, except that his new girlfriend Claudia never existed. Last week’s episode (rerunning at 8 p.m. today) had a new twist; this week’s has giant worms.
“Criminal Minds,” 9 p.m., CBS. The search for a cannibal creates a crisis of faith for Morgan (Shemar Moore).
“Chris Rock: Kill the Messenger,” 10 p.m., HBO. Some of Rock’s stand-up specials have been masterful. This one combines concerts in New York, London and South Africa.
“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 10 p.m., NBC. Here’s a quick rerun of Tuesday’s season-opener with Sara Gilbert as a traumatized rape victim.
“Saturday Night Live,” 11:29 p.m., NBC. Anna Faris hosts, with music by Duffy.
Sunday’s must-see
“Desperate Housewives” season-opener, 9 p.m., ABC. The show leaps ahead five years, promising smaller, more basic stories.
Don’t worry too much about the “smaller” part. There’s a huge event at the beginning of this hour and a huge surprise at the end. There’s also, as usual, a new neighbor with a dark secret; he’s played with icy precision by Neal McDonough.
And the smaller stories? The two parenting ones are so-so, but Bree’s battles and Susan’s hidden romance are great fun.
Sunday’s might-see
“Mad Men,” 10 p.m., AMC. With its best-drama Emmy, this show is likely to draw some new viewers. What they’ll find is a fairly somber episode.
Betty Draper has temporarily evicted her cheating husband Don, leaving both miserable. There’s also a quietly moving story centering on Freddy (Joel Murray, Bill’s brother), good-natured and heavy-drinking.
Other choices include
“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 7-9 p.m., ABC. The season opens in Maryland, where a single mom is trying to raise her four kids plus 10 nieces and nephews.
“The Simpsons,” 8 p.m., Fox. Marge works at an erotic bakery, and Homer is a bounty hunter. That launches the season for the animation block. It’s followed by fresh episodes of “King of the Hill,” “Family Guy” and “American Dad.”
“Amazing Race,” 8 p.m., CBS. Fresh from its sixth straight Emmy, this show has another interesting batch of competitors. They range from super-buff siblings to married beekeepers who seem older than their 61 and 63 years. Also there (with his estranged wife) is Ken Greene, a former pro-football defensive back who intercepted seven passes for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1981.
“Cold Case,” 9 p.m., CBS. The team reopens the 1973 murder of a football star.
“The Unit,” 10 p.m., CBS. The season starts with a fierce ministory introducing its new co-star, played strongly by Nicole Steinwedell. Things don’t slow down after that; an assassination plot has bullets flying and families in jeopardy.
“Brothers & Sisters,” 10:01 p.m., ABC. Important things (secrets, glass artwork) shatter during a noisy family weekend. It’s all rather hyper, but sandwiched by some good moments involving Sarah and Kitty.