Tube Notes
NBC
TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE
Martin Sheen, as President Bartlet in NBC's "The West Wing," copes with two crises at 7 and 8 p.m.
"The West Wing," 7 and 8 p.m., NBC. On a slow night during the slowest part of summer, it's the perfect time to catch up on a well-made show. The first rerun brings crises on two continents. President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) is partially paralyzed by multiple sclerosis. Meanwhile, Josh (Bradley Whitford) and Leo (John Spencer) face a fresh emergency — an asteroid seems to be streaking toward America. By now, it's clear that Bartlet needs his top staffers. That heightens the problem in the second rerun: The idealistic Santos (Jimmy Smits) will run for office only if Josh runs his campaign. At the same time, the staff ponders Internet claims that C.J. (Allison Janney) is gay. She refuses to comment.
OF NOTE
"K-PAX" (2001), 7 p.m., ABC. In a New York mental institution, an ordinary chap (Kevin Spacey) says he's from an advanced planet. His psychiatrist (Jeff Bridges) tries to treat him and has the gnawing feeling that the guy might be right. A somewhat similar notion was done brilliantly in the ABC series, "Cupid."
"Larry the Cable Guy: Git-R-Done," 6:30 p.m., Comedy Central; "Bill Maher: I'm Swiss," 7 p.m., HBO; "George Lopez: Why You Crying?" 7 p.m., Showtime. Three comedy concerts collide, one new (Maher) and two reruns. Our general view of the comics: Lopez and Maher are wonderfully witty and perceptive men. Larry has lots of likable attitude, but this concert shows that his material is weak.
"Weekends at the D.L.," 8 p.m., Comedy Central. Now for another truly clever comedian, in the Maher-Lopez league. In the past, D.L. Hughley has shown a sharp wit and keen observations. Now he hosts this comedy-and-talk show, late-night on weekends.
"Revelations," 9 p.m., NBC. In the second week of this six-week rerun, a professor (Bill Pullman) and a nun (Natascha McElhone) are trying to understand the messages being uttered by a young girl in a coma. They also study a "miracle child" who was the only survivor of a shipwreck.
"Saturday Night Live," 10:30 p.m., NBC. Cameron Diaz hosts, with music by Green Day.
