TV critic's picks for the week of Mar. 4

March 4, 2012 at 12:45AM
Megan Mullally joins Christian Slater in "Breaking In."
Megan Mullally joins Christian Slater in "Breaking In." (Margaret Andrews/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Sunday

"The Secret Policeman's Ball" (6 p.m., Epix) makes its stateside debut with the help of Fred Armisen, Sarah Silverman, Kristen Wiig and Jon Stewart. Coldplay and Mumford & Sons provide live musical interludes between the laughs. Proceeds go to support Amnesty International.

Monday

A 25th anniversary seems like the proper time to watch "The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall" (7 p.m., TPTLIFE), with such favorites as "Music of the Night" and "Think of Me." I'd like to say the Phantom doesn't look a day over 20, but it's hard to tell with that mask.

Tuesday

"Breaking In" (8:30 p.m., KMSP, Ch. 9) was supposed to be dead and buried, but Fox shocked everyone by bringing the sitcom back for a second season. Emmy winner Megan Mullally joins the cast as Christian Slater's new take-no-prisoners boss. If she could handle "Just Jack" in "Will & Grace," she should be able to control Jack Nicholson Jr.

Wednesday

For my money, a show all about great pizza joints should be set in Chicago, but "Slice of Brooklyn" (9 p.m., Travel) feels otherwise. In this one-hour special, Tony Muia and his cousin Paula run a tour bus company that takes you to the best pizza places in town. Let's hope they make at least one pit stop to pick up Pepto-Bismol.

Thursday

Less than two weeks after it won the Oscar for outstanding documentary short, "Saving Face" (7:30 p.m., HBO) premieres on pay cable. It's a devastatingly frank look at how Pakistani women are victimized by acid attacks, with little chance of reconstructive surgery. Prepare to be shattered.

about the writer

about the writer

Neal Justin

Critic / Reporter

Neal Justin is the pop-culture critic, covering how Minnesotans spend their entertainment time. He also reviews stand-up comedy. Justin previously served as TV and music critic for the paper. He is the co-founder of JCamp, a non-profit program for high-school journalists, and works on many fronts to further diversity in newsrooms.

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