What's on TV
Sunday 9/22
The 54th Emmy Awards (NBC, 8-11 p.m.): "24" will probably win best drama series (though my perpetual favorite is "The West Wing"). And Kiefer Sutherland deserves to win best dramatic actor for "24." There's no single actress on TV more real than Allison Janney in "The West Wing." The funniest guy on TV is still Kelsey Grammer, but Bernie Mac is a fresh face and his comedy, is, well, in-your-face fresh, too. Jane Kaczmarek on "Malcolm in the Middle" is unique among comediennes. As far as miniseries, there's no contest: HBO's "Band of Brothers." It was the only authentic work of TV art all year. Conan O'Brien hosts.
Half and Half (UPN, 9:30-10 p.m.): In this fluffy, but amusing comedy, half sisters Dee Dee (Essence Atkins) and Mona (Rachel True) move into the same apartment building owned by their father. It seems unfair that one child is preferred over the other, but where would the conflict come from if not from the obvious inequities in their economic backgrounds?
CSI: Miami (CBS, 10-11 p.m.): The spin-off of one of the most popular forensics shows on TV, "CSI," is a trifle disappointing. Most "CSI" fans will prefer the cool detective work of the original, and the gradual character revelation that comes with it.
Gilmore Girls (WB, 8-9 p.m.): In the season première, adorable daughter Rory is back from a summer in Washington, D.C., and both mother and daughter are trying to figure out guy relationships. Both love each other so much; this show runs on the power of their affection.
Ed (NBC, 8-9 p.m.): The season opener doesn't leave us very much further along with Ed's romance than the last episode of last season. But a surprise guest appearance by Danny DeVito is funny, if less than ethically instructive.
Without a Trace (CBS, 10-11 p.m.): Tense FBI drama leaves too many procedural questions unanswered. The feds, led by Anthony LaPaglia, have to figure out the missing person's personality before they can find him or her. Superb acting and fine camera-work make it engaging crime-genre fare.
