Remote patrol

There are plenty of worthy options at 7 p.m. - "The Color Purple" on Channel 62, a repeat of a Mariah Carey special on Channel 29, Richard Roundtree (below) in "Shaft" on BET. But sadly, the most-watched show in America tonight is likely to be "Providence," the Rhode Island show with the Southern California accent that has become a very unlikely hit for NBC. Its third episode airs at 7 on Channel 41; each of the first two episodes was the top-rated Friday show. Tonight the aloof and unlikable Jim (Mike Farrell) bonds with a dog - like he did the last two weeks. Did I mention the Discovery channel has a fascinating special on urban infrastructure at 7?