Saturday, April 19, 2003
Lifestyle 'Icebound' worth warming up to Joel Brown
- New York Times Syndicate
I'm going to recommend a Susan Sarandon movie. Don't send me any hate mail. It's hard to guess how CBS feels about the political firestorm around Oscar-winner Sarandon and partner Tim Robbins in recent weeks over their anti-war comments. Maybe the rather staid network wishes it would all go away. Or maybe the operative phrase is: "There's no such thing as bad publicity." In any case, Sunday at 9 CBS premieres "Icebound: A Woman's Survival at the South Pole," starring Sarandon. It is based on the amazing true story of Dr. Jerri Nielsen. She was doctoring at a research station near the pole, beyond the reach of medical assistance, when she diagnosed and treated her own breast cancer. Heavy stuff, bolstered by the harsh and fascinating conditions in which the story plays out. For several reasons, this is more than just another CBS Sunday night weepie. Whatever you think of her politics, Sarandon is a terrific actress. and this is a gripping story. "The Birdcage" (1996), ABC tonight at 8: Robin Williams and Nathan Lane star in a hilarious Miami Beach adaptation of "La Cage Aux Folles." "Hunter," NBC tonight at 8: Yup, they're baaaack. For a few weeks, at least, Hunter and McCall (Fred Dryer and Stepfanie Kramer) return to police the mean streets of Southern California. Tonight, they're investigating an illegal immigration scam. "Law & Order," NBC tonight at 9: Who killed the drug dealer? Was it the father of the kid who died from an overdose? Or the parish priest? A taut repeat. At 10 is an "L&O: SVU" repeat with Mark-Paul Gosselaar ("NYPD Blue") as a man murdered outside a gay bar. "MAD TV," FOX tonight at 11: Repeat with some of the "American Idol" gang. "Saturday Night Live," NBC tonight at 11:30: Repeat with Matthew McConaughey and country music's answer to Susan Sarandon, the Dixie Chicks. "60 Minutes," CBS Sunday at 7. "X-Men 2 Sneak Preview," FOX Sunday at 7: A fascinating behind-the-scenes special, or a 30-minute infomercial disguised as entertainment? You be the judge. Or better yet, watch "60 Minutes." "100 Years of Hope and Humor," NBC Sunday at 7: NBC marks the 100th birthday of Bob Hope with a special program looking at his good works as well as his film, television and USO appearances. "The Simpsons," FOX Sunday at 8: Homer comes to believe in the power of prayer. Repeat. "Oliver Beene," FOX Sunday at 8:30: Dancing lessons. "Malcolm in the Middle," FOX Sunday at 9: Hal and Lois reminisce as they prepare for the arrival of the baby. In other words, clip show! "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," NBC Sunday at 9: Multiple suspects arise in the death of a university president. Detective Goren, of course, is smarter than anyone on campus. "Masterpiece Theatre," KSPS Sunday at : "The Jury" continues its deliberations, with Derek Jacobi. "Black Sash," WB Sunday at 9: A new student drags Bryan into a "fight club" scheme. "The Pitts," FOX Sunday at 7:30: Water heater explosion leaves a pipe stuck in Faith's head. Now that's comedy! "Boomtown," NBC Sunday at 10: Season finale finds a tragedy in Stevens' home life coming back to haunt him via an Internal Affairs investigation.
Highlights