What's on?
PICK OF THE WEEK
The Practice
Saturday, July 26, 10-11 p.m.
(ABC)
TV highlights for the week of July 20-26. All times are Eastern; check local listings. Ratings are listed for shows when available (see explanation box below).
* SUNDAY - 7/20
British Open (ABC, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.): Golf's greats hit the links in the final round at Royal Troon on Scotland's west coast.
Rough Riders (TNT, 8-10 p.m.): This miniseries tells the story of the unconventional cavalry that fought in the Spanish-American War - on foot, as it turns out (a shipping glitch left their horses behind). Theodore Roosevelt, then an assistant secretary of the Navy, led his volunteer group of socialites, outlaws, and cowboys to the memorable charge on Cuba's San Juan Hill in 1898. Part 1, introducing the characters and their training, is slow-moving. Part 2, airing Monday, features the battle scenes. The story is interesting, but these filmmakers took too much time to tell it. Starring Tom Berenger as Roosevelt. (TV-14)
* TUESDAY - 7/22
Dalziel and Pascoe (A&E, 9-11 p.m.): If you're in the mood for a mystery and can handle thick British accents, here's an above-average choice. Detective Inspector Pascoe (Colin Buchanan) and his wife set off for a weekend to see friends only to find them dead when they arrive. A shaken Pascoe investigates the murders while attending to another case he and boss Detective Superintendent Dalziel (Warren Clarke) are trying to crack. Based on a novel by Reginald Hill. (TV-PG)
The Godfather (USA, 9-11 p.m.): Francis Ford Coppola's violent gangster epic featuring patriarch Don Corleone (Marlon Brando) airs tonight and Wednesday. The 1972 film is based on the book by Mario Puzo. The sequel, The Godfather, Part II (USA, 9-11 p.m.), airs on Thursday and Friday. (TV-14)
P.O.V. (PBS, 10-11 p.m.): Four South Philadelphia teens are the subject of this absorbing program, which won the prize for best documentary at the 1997 Sundance Film Festival. Its goal: to listen to teenage girls as they grapple with issues related to teenage sexuality. The filmmakers checked in with the young women each year from age 14 to 18, interviewing them about sex, dating, and their futures. What choices will they make? How will they handle the pressures they face? These questions keep you watching as the thoughtful program unfolds.
* THURSDAY - 7/24
The American President (Showtime, 8-9:55 p.m.): Michael Douglas and Annette Bening star in this 1995 comedy about a widowed US president and his attempt at dating while in office. Directed by Rob Reiner.
* SATURDAY - 7/26
The Practice (ABC, 10-11 p.m.): One of TV's best midseason offerings is back, albeit in reruns. The fetching courtroom drama returns in the rather dismal time slot it will occupy in the fall. The pilot episode, re-airing tonight, introduces viewers to a small, hard-working Boston law firm and its compelling characters, including leader Bobby Donnel (Dylan McDermott). Their cases include defending a teenage girl charged with drug possession and taking on a tobacco company. Created by David E. Kelley ("L.A. Law," "Picket Fences," "Chicago Hope"). (TV-14)