What's On
PICK OF THE WEEK
Great Books Festival: The Great Gatsby
Saturday, Sept. 13, 10-11 p.m. (TLC)
TV highlights for the week of Sept. 7-13. All times are Eastern; check local listings. Ratings are listed for shows when available (see explanation box).
* SUNDAY - 9/7
US Open Tennis (CBS, 2-7 p.m.): The Grand Slam tournament culminates today with men's and women's finals in Flushing Meadows, N.Y.
Color of Justice (Showtime, 8-9:35 p.m.): When four black youths steal a car and kill a white suburban woman, it appears to be an open-and-shut case. But once the case reaches trial, it turns into a media circus. It's a powerful story that looks at race issues in America and shows how race-related trials affect politics, communities, and the criminal justice system. Stars Gregory Hines and Judd Hirsch. Contains strong language and several violent scenes. (TV-14)
Sister Wendy's Story of Painting (PBS, 9-10 p.m.): In the first program of this five-week debut series, Sister Wendy Beckett, British nun and art guru, explores the roots of Western painting (Part 1) and then focuses on Italian art (Part 2). With wit, charm, and originality, Sister Wendy leads viewers through the caves of Lascaux, France, and on to Iona, Scotland, where "The Book of Kells" was discovered. Even if prehistoric art or Giotto's "The Lamentation" doesn't interest you, you'll want to tune in to hear Sister Wendy's fascinating stories and insights into the art world.
* MONDAY - 9/8
Ally McBeal (Fox, 9-10 p.m.): Ally McBeal is a young Harvard-educated lawyer who lives and works in Boston. She should be on top of the world, but she has just filed a sexual harassment suit against a co-worker, has changed jobs, and works with her former boyfriend, who is now married. The new comedy-drama from David E. Kelley, creator of "Picket Fences," takes an innovative approach by blending drama and humor, but it doesn't always succeed. Some scenes are melodramatic (the "Psycho" song is played when she meets the wife of her former boyfriend), and the writing is sometimes weak and corny ("Men are like gum: After you chew they lose their flavor"). But despite these flaws, its sassy and fresh story line shows potential. (TV-PG)
* TUESDAY - 9/9
Dateline NBC (NBC, 10-11 p.m.): Through hidden cameras and real-life examples, NBC news correspondent John Hockenberry goes undercover to show that disabled people still face discrimination when looking for an apartment or job. The most interesting part of the show, however, is the second half, when Hockenberry, disabled himself, travels through New York in a wheelchair. His experience illustrates that even two steps can create major obstacles when going out to eat, shopping for clothes, or going to the movies.
* THURSDAY - 9/11
413 Hope St. (Fox, 9-10 p.m.): In this new urban drama, troubled youths turn to 413 Hope Street, a teen-crisis center in New York City for help with drug-abuse problems, poverty, and those battling with AIDS. It's a meaningful drama with some lighthearted moments, but be prepared for some grim, violent scenes. (TV-14)
* SATURDAY - 9/13
Garth Live From Central Park (HBO, 9:30-11 p.m.): If you missed it the first time, here's your chance to see Garth Brooks perform live in one of the biggest concert events of the year. As an added bonus, HBO is making the program available to all basic cable viewers. Also featuring Billy Joel and Don McLean.
Great Books Festival: The Great Gatsby (TLC, 10-11 p.m.): In this thought-provoking and insightful program, scholars and critics discuss the fascination with F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," and how the book, which initially received only a lukewarm response, defined an era - the Roaring '20s. Henry David Thoreau's "Walden" is featured one hour earlier (TLC, 9-10 p.m.). Encore presentations from this series will also be shown each hour beginning at 9:00 a.m. and concluding at 3 a.m.
TV-Y All Children
TV-Y7 Directed to Older Children
TV-G General Audience
TV-PG Parental Guidance Suggested
TV-14 Parents Strongly Cautioned
TV-M Mature Audience Only