TV critic's choice: This week

Last update: October 17, 2009 - 9:21 PM

Sunday

James Nesbitt, the BBC's version of James Bond, stars in "Occupation" (7 p.m., BBC America), another nail-biting import, this one about three British soldiers deeply affected by the Iraq war. The four-hour movie comes from the mind of Peter Bowker, who previously cooked up the musical series "Viva Blackpool," but we're fairly certain that Nesbitt won't be singing anything but the blues.

Monday

The limited documentary series "Latin Music USA" (8 p.m., KTCA, Ch. 2) focuses on contemporary superstars like Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan and Shakira, and how they penetrated the English-speaking market. The engrossing episode is immediately followed by a five-hour investigation into how Shakira manages to contort her hips.

Tuesday

"NCIS: Los Angeles" (8 p.m., WCCO, Ch. 4) doesn't need any help from the mother ship. After all, it's by far the most popular new show of the season. But who could possibly turn down a cameo from the super-sweet Pauley Perrette (an original cast member from the megahit "NCIS") when a defense contractor is killed?

Wednesday

Kari Lizer, who wrote for "Will & Grace" for years, continues to recruit some old friends. "The New Adventures of Old Christine" (7 p.m., WCCO, Ch. 4), which she created, has already hosted Megan Mullally. Now it's Eric McCormack's turn. The Emmy-winning star plays a therapist who starts to romance Christine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Personal note to Kari: We'd love to see Matthew fall head over heels for another "W&G" regular -- Rosario.

Thursday

IFC's weeklong tribute to Monty Python wouldn't be complete without a screening of 1975's "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" (9 p.m., IFC). While the main attraction is still the jokes, take note of how novice directors Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam created the dank, dirty world for the knights to play in, an atmosphere that makes all the yuks even more grounded -- and great. Graham Chapman's performance as King Arthur is still a royal thrill.

NEAL JUSTIN

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