Remote patrol

I took another look at "Beggars and Choosers" after some readers insisted the the Showtime comedy about life behind the scenes at a fictional, low-rated network has improved. . After watching two episodes from the second season, I agree - "Beggars and Choosers" at least aspires to the level of "Arli$$," which is the worst sitcom on HBO. But that's not saying much. On tonight's episode at 9, the network's programming chief (Charlotte Ross) falls all over herself trying to recruit a bigshot producer (guest star Noah Wyle of "ER"). She finally pulls off a devious trick to get an audience with Mr. Bigshot; predictably, she gets her comeuppance not long after that. It's one of those obvious bits of poetic justice that every viewer can see coming for miles away. I hate it when TV shows do that. Also tonight, "Dateline NBC" (9, Channel 41) re-airs a terrific expose of the process some insurance companies have used to deny legitimate medical claims. The hourlong report aired recently on "Dateline" but is updated with new information. @ART CAPTION:Ross @ART:Photo (color) >>>