TV: Five shows worth watching tonight: Dec. 15
A select viewing guide for Thursday, Dec. 15
DRAMA Prime Suspect NBC, Global, 10 p.m. If you’ve become a fan of this remake of the iconic British TV series, you had best watch it while you can: NBC has already announced the show will be replaced on the Thursday lineup by the new legal drama The Firm, as of Jan.12. In tonight’s second-to-last new episode, NYPD homicide detective Jane Timoney (Maria Bello) is called in to investigate the murder of a Jewish diamond dealer found dead in his shop. Her first lead points toward Brooklyn and some bling-loving rappers.
TRAVEL From Spain with Love Food Network, 7 p.m. The exotic cuisine of Spain has become a way of life for Annie Sibonney. The Toronto-based food writer has spent several years touring the sun-drenched country and shares her passion for Spanish cooking in this breezy series. Tonight, she explores the laidback eating traditions of Madrid, where dinner very often takes place at midnight, or later. She begins her night out with drinks and tapas at the famous Mercado San Miguel, followed by a sumptuous multi-course repast at El Fogon de Trifon. And when the sun is coming up, it’s time for piping hot chocolate and churros – the Spanish equivalent of the doughnut. Ah, living la vida loca.
FOOD Jamie’s Best Ever Christmas Food Network, 9 p.m. British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver defers to his darling daughters in this year’s edition of the annual holiday food fest. And for two kids under 10, they know their way around the kitchen. Precocious Poppy, age nine, instructs her father on how to make “Cheat” Cheese Twists, while younger sister Daisy reveals the recipe of her Mulled Clementine Juice. And to all a good night.
MOVIE The Warrior’s Way The Movie Network, 9 p.m. Despite a strong cast, decent reviews and remarkable special effects, this action feature came and went from the theatres in the blink of an eye last year. Set in 19th-century Asia, the story follows a proud young warrior named Yang, played by Korean film superstar Jang Dong Gun, who is ordered to kill the last member of a rival clan – who happens to be a baby. Yang refuses and flees with the infant to a rundown town in the American West. Yang’s enemies – thousands of them! –come in hot pursuit and Yang’s only allies are the spunky Lynne (Kate Bosworth) and the town drunk, Ron (Oscar-winner Geoffrey Rush). Forget the story and watch it for the breathtaking battle sequences.
FAMILY Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer CBC, 8 p.m. First broadcast in 1964, this low-tech special continues to pull in impressive ratings each holiday season. Last week’s broadcast on CBS drew an astounding 13 million viewers in the U.S. Based on the pop tune by Johnny Marks, it tells the story of Rudolph, a shy reindeer whose shiny red nose has made him an outcast in Christmastown. Rudolph finds redemption and meaning in life with help from a dental-obsessed elf named Hermey and the grizzly prospector Yukon Cornelius. The payoff is seeing that arrogant jerk Santa forced to beg for Rudolph’s services.