Another Iraq-flavored war drama … penultimate "Sopranos" … another civil rights cold case.
All times Central.
SUNDAY
Another attempt to dramatize the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, “Army Wives,” debuts at 9 tonight on Lifetime. Unlike FX's 2005 series “Over There,” which took a grim fascination in the small details of the American occupation, “Army Wives” is lighter, more conventional and set, not over there, but stateside at an army post. The impressive cast includes Kim Delaney, Catherine Bell and “Over There's” troubled redhead, Brigid Brannagh. The most intriguing couple on the show are played by Sterling K. Brown as a civilian psychiatrist and Wendy Davis as his wife, a lieutenant colonel in the grips of PTSD after her recent tour of duty.
The second-to-last “Sopranos” airs at 8 p.m. on HBO. Then, after the third season finale of “Entourage” at 9 (no tears, please -- season four begins in two weeks), stay tuned for a documentary by “Entourage” star Adrian Grenier, “Shot in the Dark,” about a reunion with his dad, who wasn't around when Grenier was growing up.
THURSDAY
Get ready for heart-pumping, adrenaline-boosting action … no, actually, get ready for a couple of goofy TV shows inspired by Americans' love of fast cars. Serena Williams, Tony Hawk, Jewel and William Shatner, among others, strap on the head-and-neck support and compete against each other in “Fast Cars & Superstars” at 7 p.m. on ABC (KMBC-9). The incredibly boring driving is made tolerable by Kenny Mayne's droll interventions. But the most brilliant piece of TV filler in years may be “Speeders,” beginning at 7 p.m. on Court TV. It's what “Cops” would be if it were a sitcom featuring only people trying to get out of a speeding ticket. Typical exchange: “Florida Highway Patrol. You know why I stopped you?” “I have no idea.”
SATURDAY
During Freedom Summer in 1964, searchers were looking for three civil rights workers in rural Mississippi when they stumbled across two bodies. But they weren't the ones they were looking for: Two of the three “Mississippi burning” victims were white, and these two were black. Everyone moved on. Now, “Mississippi Cold Case” (9 p.m. on MSNBC) picks up that story. Canadian news producer David Ridgen paired up with Thomas Moore, the only brother of Charles Moore, who along with Henry Dee was killed that summer, very likely by the same Klansmen who killed the others. It's a remarkable first-hand look at the relentless pursuit of justice.
Aaron - I enjoy the blog and the radio spots. I just caught the Sopranos - wow. This season has so far turned out to be really strong. The "Little Vito" episode was horrid, but other than that, the writers have really begun wrapping up this great show. I can't wait for the last showdown.
Posted by: drew murphy | June 03, 2007 at 09:39 PM
The whole Vito sequence will leave a bad taste in most viewers' mouths. In fact, every time his name gets invoked as a reason for setting off the blood feud I think sheesh, give me a break.
Posted by: Aaron | June 04, 2007 at 10:04 AM
The way Vito was "offed" was bizarre - I think they really killed off that character way to soon, though. On the other hand, Dr. Melfi and Junior have been waving in the wind for a while.
This last episode made up for alot of past sins.
Posted by: drew murphy | June 04, 2007 at 11:07 AM
I love the interactions between Melfi and Elliot. Bracco and Bogdonavich seemed to invent a 20-year backstory there right before our eyes....amazing.
Posted by: Aaron | June 04, 2007 at 12:03 PM
Yeah I agree with that. Still, that stuff was stretched out too long. Melfi should of been phased out in Season 5. I always was waiting for Bogdonavich to start comparing Tony to Orson Welles.
Any buzz on post-Sopranos plans? Will Chase direct another show? They should give Michael Imperioli his own show.
Posted by: drew murphy | June 04, 2007 at 01:29 PM