Tuning in: On TV this week.
Saturday May 28
Empire Falls (HBO, Part I: 9-11 p.m.; Part II: May 29, 9-10:30 p.m.): Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Richard Russo about the residents of a fading Maine factory town, this poignant tale is rich with insight into the human spirit. A quiet restaurant manager named Miles (Ed Harris) tries to cheer his despondent teenage daughter after his divorce. He also has to deal with his boss (Joanne Woodward), who is also the town's rich bully. But then, bullies abound - from school boys to the local constable. The excellent ensemble features Paul Newman, Helen Hunt, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Aidan Quinn, and Robin Wright Penn.
National Memorial Day Concert (PBS, check local listings): Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the battle for Iwo Jima and the contributions of all America's veterans, this program comes live from Washington, D.C. Actors Gary Sinise, Joe Mantegna, and Charles Durning will tell the stories of those who fought in the Pacific. They will be joined by such luminaries as Colin Powell, and singers Vanessa Williams and Harolyn Blackwell.
Frederick Forsyth's 'Icon' (Hallmark Channel, 7-9 p.m.): Patrick Swayze, Ben Cross, Michael York, and Patrick Bergin stir up the streets of Moscow in this rousing espionage thriller about a ruthless Russian politician whose deadly ambitions include genocide.
Hell's Kitchen (Fox, 9-10 p.m.): It's touted as boot camp for chefs. British master chef Gordon Ramsay is in charge in a reality show that delves into hectic restaurant kitchens. What makes this show so involving is observing the skill it takes to produce haute cuisine.
