TV critic's picks: Oct. 9-13

October 9, 2011 at 1:05AM
Minka Kelly, Annie Ilonzeh and Rachael Taylor in "Charlie's Angels."
Minka Kelly, Annie Ilonzeh and Rachael Taylor are “Angels in Chains” on “Charlie’s Angels.” (Margaret Andrews — ABC/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Sunday

Creating childish comedy can be a grown-up business. "Six Days to Air: The Making of 'South Park'" (9 p.m., Comedy Central) reveals how creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker work themselves to the bone to bring Cartman to life, permitting cameras into their writers' room for the first time.

Monday

The fact that "Five" (8 p.m., Lifetime) is a collection of short films about breast cancer directed by big names may make it sound like a vanity project, but it's much better than that. Demi Moore kicks things off with a tear-inducing act about a doctor looking back at the death of her mother, and Jennifer Aniston shows that she's just as capable behind the camera with a piece on a couple who find love at the least likely moment. An impressive effort by all.

Tuesday

What if Cliff and Clair Huxtable had lots and lots of sex? That's sort of the premise between "Reed Between the Lines" (9 p.m., BET), a likable enough sitcom that just happens to star "Cosby Show" veteran Malcolm-Jamal Warner. He's nicely paired with Tracee Ellis Ross ("Girlfriends"). Both make a believable couple trying to find room for a love life while raising three kids. It's not big on laughs, but there's plenty of heart.
Wednesday

Minnesotan T.R. Knight has dedicated most of his time to the stage since leaving "Grey's Anatomy," but he's back in a strong guest role on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (9 p.m., KARE, Ch. 11), playing a family man who is accused of rape. Let's hope more TV appearances are in the works.

Thursday

In either a nostalgic nod to the past or a bout of laziness, writers for the new "Charlie's Angels" (7 p.m., KSTP, Ch. 5) are borrowing a story line from a 1976 episode in which the trio wind up in jail. Guess that means that we can soon expect them to go undercover at a cheerleading camp and that one of the actresses will start dating Ryan O'Neal.

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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