TV critic's choice: Aug. 29-Sept. 4

"The Cove" is Ric O'Barry's quest to protect dolphins from unethical fishermen.

August 28, 2010 at 10:30PM

SundayRic O'Barry, who trained dolphins for "Flipper," has flipped his allegiances, dedicating his life to protecting dolphins from unethical fishermen. His mission is documented in the 2009 film "The Cove" (8 p.m., Animal Planet), which picked up the Oscar for best documentary. Fisher Stevens, best known for acting in "Short Circuit" and dating Michelle Pfeiffer, is among the producers.

Monday"Bachelor Pad" (7 p.m., KSTP, Ch. 5), the obnoxious spinoff of "The Bachelor," usually is about as enticing as taking a bath in vinegar, but I may be suckered in by the fact that at some point during the two grueling hours, the network will announce the next cast for "Dancing With the Stars." Mike (The Situation) Sorrentino and Troy Aikman are among the rumored participants.

TuesdayShaquille O'Neal may never play basketball again, but his competitive juices are still flowing. In the latest edition of "Shaq Vs." (8:01 p.m., KSTP, Ch. 5), the superstar takes on Justin Bieber in a dance-off and tries to top Jimmy Kimmel's monologue.

WednesdayTwo very different musical offerings for two very different kind of fans. "Renee Fleming & Dmitri Hvorostovsky: A Musical Odyssey in St. Petersburg" (7 p.m., KTCA, Ch. 2) is a must-see for opera lovers, as two of the more beloved figures in the genre play Russian tourists stopping occasionally for performances and vodka shots. "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" (7 p.m., KSTP, Ch. 5) turns three hours over to some of the top artists of the day, including Taylor Swift, Reba McEntire, Rascal Flatts and Miranda Lambert, who can do vodka shots with me anytime she wants.

Thursday"Futurama" (9 p.m., Comedy Central), which has survived cancellation and the presence of Richard Nixon's brain, reaches its 100th episode, and how better to celebrate then to invite Devo to the party? In other anniversary news, see 100th challenger Toshiro Kandagawa take on iron chef Hiroyuki Sakai, left, on "Iron Chef" (10 p.m., Cooking Channel). The chosen weapon: lotus root.

NEAL JUSTIN

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