Sunday Those who believe "Masterpiece Classic" only dabbles in drawing-room dramas will be astonished by its new production of "The 39 Steps" (8 p.m., KTCA, Ch. 2), an action-packed romp that would have made glum-faced Alfred Hitchcock giggle with delight. After watching this, we'd love to see what "Masterpiece" would do with Indiana Jones.
Monday "Dolley Madison" (8 p.m., KTCA, Ch. 2), the latest TPT production about the colonial days, has nothing to do with little doughnuts and everything to do with one of the most fascinating and sympathetic figures in U.S. history. Madison's roller-coaster ride from the White House to the poorhouse and back to prominence is a gold mine that few historians have properly explored before. Kudos to TPT for taking the trip.
Tuesday "Parenthood" (9 p.m., KARE, Ch. 11), TV's second attempt to spin off from the hit movie, is a promising effort, thanks to a top-notch cast, including Minnesota's Peter Krause and "Gilmore Girls" veteran Lauren Graham, and a script that manages to be sentimental without being sappy. The pilot's closing scene, in which Krause delivers some sobering news to his pop (Craig T. Nelson), would give even Archie Bunker the sniffles.
Wednesday Maybe the reason Barbara Walters is giving up her Academy Award specials is that she has been bested in recent years by an even bigger personality. "Oprah Winfrey's Oscar Special" (9:01 p.m., KSTP, Ch. 5) once again matches up celebrities to interview each other. The most intriguing: Glenn Close and Michael Douglas. Rabbits everywhere are shaking in fear.
Thursday Can Jerry Seinfeld save NBC? Again? His latest rescue mission is "The Marriage Ref" (9 p.m., KARE, Ch. 11), in which celebrities examine a couple's continuing argument and pick a side. Underrated standup comic Tom Papa plays the "ref." Following its Sunday sneak preview, the show settles into its regular slot with Seinfeld, Tina Fey and Eva Longoria Parker on the panel.
NEAL JUSTIN
