What's on TV
Sunday 2/24
10,000 Black Men Named George (Showtime, 8-9:35 p.m.): Andre Braugher stars as Asa Philip Randolph, the man who organized the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first union of black workers. The well-written drama is neatly directed by Robert Townsend ("The Five Heartbeats," "Streets of Fire"), who creates a vivid picture of life on the trains.
Watching Ellie (NBC, 8:30-9 p.m.): In the series première, Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays a nightclub singer who attracts men like flies. She has not the slightest sympathy for her married lover's wife. The pilot episode is frenetic and shallow, with a few funny physical comedy bits. The surprise is hearing her deliver a song with genuine style. See story, page 13.
Survivor: Marquesas (CBS, 8-9 p.m.): Just when you think the reality TV trend is over, another program pops up. In the fourth edition of the popular reality show, 16 castaways (who are divided into the Rotu Tribe and the Maraamu Tribe) are marooned on an island near Tahiti. And here's a first: Contestants must find their own food and water.
The 44th Grammy Awards (CBS, 8-11 p.m.): No one can accuse the Grammy Awards of narrow-mindedness this year. The nominees for Album of the Year - India.Arie, Bob Dylan, Outkast, U2, and the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack - will appeal to many musical palates. Comedian Jon Stewart hosts the annual gala. See story, page 20.
Egypt's Golden Empire (PBS, check local listings): You may think you've seen enough documentaries on Egypt, but this one is special - beginning with its exquisite cinematography by Brian McDairment. The writer and director use the letters and edicts of the great ancient kings (and queens) to let them tell their own stories. It is a lively, marvelous way to hear the voices of the ancient world.
Leap of Faith (NBC, 8:30-9 p.m.): "Sex in the City" for broadcast TV - only without the wit. Yet another sitcom in which there are never any consequences for promiscuity. Worst of all, it's not funny. Faith (Sarah Paulson) is about to marry one man, when she suddenly falls for another and hops into bed with him. The fiancé is a tad uptight - and the implication is, he therefore deserves what he gets.
