Friday TV: Springsteen’s ‘Ties That Bind’
Just as Bruce Springsteen's 2010 project of outtakes from "Darkness on the Edge of Town," called "The Promise," came with its own accompanying short promotional documentary by Thom Zimmy, so…
Holiday Special: Slow Train Running
America is understandably slow in getting into the Slow TV racket. I fell under the spell of the Scandinavian trend this summer while on a visit there. (I wrote about…
Also on Thursday: Parade, Dogs, Football
The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade (NBC, CBS, 9 a.m.), that three hour cornucopia of commercialism, show biz and balloons kicks off with performers that include Mariah Carey, Jordin Sparks, Jennifer Nettles,…
Wednesday TV: Peek at ‘Wiz’ Preparations
It would seem to be a good night to stage one of those live network musicals that have been popular during holiday times. But no, NBC’s staging of “The Wiz”…
The Flamin’ Groovies at Rock & Roll Hotel
It’s one of those things that make you believe in Robert Johnson-meets-the Devil stories. After being a fine revivalist rock band in San Francisco for a few years, a slightly…
Theater Review: ‘Sons of the Prophet’
It’s not easy to maintain a balance in dark comedy. Going too dark dries up the laughter and becoming too wacky blots the underlying pain. “Sons of the Prophet,” Stephen…
Tuesday TV: Stuffing Charlie Brown Special
Doubtlessly one of the lesser Peanuts holiday specials — behind Christmas and Halloween — “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” (ABC, 8 p.m.) is still something of an annual tradition. Like other…
Monday TV: Running Out of Twain Winners
It’s telling that most of the clips used to justify the 19th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings) to Eddie Murphy come from his four…
Sunday TV: Tales of the Pilgrims
The last we saw of Vincent Kartheiser -- Pete Campbell of "Mad Men" -- he was climbing aboard a Learjet on the way to a new job. In the miniseries…
Saturday TV: Fifty Shades of Turkey
A forgotten story that the esteemed Jim Henson wrote in 1968 with his "Muppet Show" and "Fraggle Rock" writing partner Jerry Juhl about a family who meets up with forest…