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	Around the Remote By Chuck Barney's Contra Costa Times January 14, 2007 http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/entertainment/columnists/chuck_barney/16459394.htm DON'T MISS: "24" -- After an award-winning Season 5 that had critics and viewers spouting superlatives, the natural question is: How can this turbo-charged thrill ride top itself? When last seen, indefatigable super-agent Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) had just exposed the U.S. president as a madman who was in cahoots with terrorists. But before he could head home for a shower and some sleep, our hero was kidnapped, tortured and thrown into the belly of a boat bound for China. Now, nearly two years later, America is reeling from an escalating wave of terrorist attacks. Naturally, the one man who can save the country from total destruction is you-know-who, but first a secret deal needs to be made to wrest him from Chinese captivity. We'd love to tell you more, of course, but Jack would hunt us down. 8 tonight (back-to-back episodes), Channels 2 and 40 (Fox). OTHER BETS: TONIGHT: "Rome" picks up exactly where we left off: Caesar lies dead in a pool of blood and lots of toga-clad people are now embroiled in a very messy power struggle. Meanwhile, Vorenus has become a raving maniac in the wake of his wife's death. The early episodes of this lush and lusty series hint at an exciting second season. 9 p.m., HBO. TONIGHT: The wait is finally over for fans of "Crossing Jordan." The forensics crime drama makes its long-delayed return with an episode that has Jordan running from the law, a suspect in her ex's murder. Can she track down the evidence she needs before being nabbed? 10 p.m., Channels 3 and 11 (NBC). TONIGHT: If you missed "Extras" in its hilarious first season, don't make that mistake again. Ricky Gervais (the British version of "The Office") returns as Andy Millman, a hapless fortysomething actor who is convinced he has movie-star potential, but just can't seem to land the major roles. 10 p.m., HBO. MONDAY: Everyone is always too uptight on Oscar night, so the Golden Globe Awards, in comparison, come off looking like a freewheeling party. Stars from television and the movies convene again to pat themselves on the back. Helen Mirren figures to nab some hardware. She's nominated for the theatrical film "The Queen," as well as for two TV projects: "Elizabeth I" and "Prime Suspect." 8 p.m., Channels 3 and 11 (NBC). TUESDAY: Get out the earplugs. The reality blockbuster "American Idol" launches its sixth season with the early audition rounds that always attract plenty of freaks, geeks, dreamers and screamers. If we're lucky, we might run into a few people who can actually carry a tune. 8 p.m., Channels 2 and 40 (Fox). TUESDAY: "Hand of God" is the latest installment in the "Frontline" documentary series. It has filmmaker Joe Cultrera telling the poignant story of his brother, Paul, who says he was molested in the 1960s by their parish priest. The program examines how the Cultrera family coped with a scandal that continues to rock churches across America. 10 p.m., Channels 6 and 9 (PBS). WEDNESDAY: "The Naked Trucker & T-Bones Show" is 2007's early front-runner for most bizarre title. Comedians Dave (Gruber) Allen and David Koechner travel the country in an 18-wheeler, snooping out twisted tales along the back roads and truck stops as they go. The show also features in-studio segments and musical performances. 10:30 p.m., Comedy Central. THURSDAY: "CSI" fans, please give a warm welcome to Liev Schreiber. The talented actor joins the cast as a veteran investigator who takes Grissom's place while the head guy is on sabbatical. As you might expect, the Las Vegas detectives need some time to get used to him. 8 p.m., Channel 13; 9 p.m., Channel 5 (CBS). THURSDAY: "Scrubs" gets even goofier as it presents a full-blown musical episode with songs written by the Tony Award-winning composers of "Avenue Q." It all starts when a patient (Stephanie D'Abruzzo) checks in complaining of hearing incessant tunes in her head. Something tells us that Sacred Heart's whacked-out doctors won't be able to work in perfect harmony. 9 p.m., Channels 3 and 11 (NBC). FRIDAY: Guest-star alert: Andy Richter drops in on "Monk" as the offbeat detective series returns with new episodes. Richter plays a seemingly amiable Everyman who befriends Adrian. Oh, but he may be hiding a little secret. "Monk" launches in front of "Psych," which also returns with fresh episodes. 9 p.m., USA. SATURDAY: If you've ever bonded with a horse -- or just love inspiring beat-the-odds stories -- you might want to check out "Seabiscuit." The 2003 film starring Tobey Maguire (he's the jockey, not the horse) recalls, in absorbing fashion, the tale of a 1930s-era long shot who became a beloved racetrack champ. 8 p.m., Channels 7 and 10 (ABC). Chuck Barney is the Times TV critic. Reach him at 925-952-2685 or cbarney@cctimes.com. Also, check out his daily blog at http:/cctextra.com/blogs/tvfreak.
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