Tonight Tom Brokaw signs off for the final
time as anchor of “NBC Nightly News,” and just what he'll offer as
his parting words is an open question.
NBC's not saying, nor is the longtime anchor. A few days
ago he was quoted saying he'll part with something personal and perhaps
something on the lessons he's learned over his years as a newsman.
At the same time, Brokaw made it clear he'll not make a big
thing out of saying good-bye. It's certainly not his style, and it's not
how NBC has envisioned the transition.
Tonight Brokaw is sitting at the anchor desk. Tomorrow it
will be Brian Williams.
In leaving, Brokaw has his left his successor
some sage advice. Ignore your critics. Stay true to yourself. That may
well be the message we hear him tell his viewers tonight.
|
A look at this week’s top TV draws |
|
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1 |
|
Time |
Network |
Program |
Description |
|
8 p.m. |
NBC |
“The Apprentice” |
Donald sharpens his axe as he looks back on the season and sets
his sights on the Dec. 16 finale. |
|
8 p.m. |
ABC |
“Lost” |
Finally! We get the dirt on Claire. Only it’s not what you’d
expect. There’s a psychic involved. |
|
9 p.m. |
WB |
“Jack & Bobby” |
While Jack and Missy make plans to sleep together, Bobby
unwittingly scores a date with a teenage hottie. |
|
9:30 p.m. |
CBS |
“Center of the Universe” |
Grandpa’s quick brunching habits cause Miles to suspect that
his grandfather doesn’t like him. John Goodman and Olympia Dukakis
star. |
|
10 p.m. |
ABC |
“Wife Swap” |
A leather-clad man swaps ladies with a neo-hippie. It’s the
true test of whether opposites attract. |
|
10 p.m. |
NBC |
“Law & Order” |
Three dead schoolgirls point to an Afghan drug lord with
diplomatic immunity. |
|
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2 |
|
Time |
Network |
Program |
Description |
|
8 p.m. |
TNT |
“NBA Basketball: Rockets at Mavericks” |
Dallas may rule this down home rivalry, but Yao and T-Mac hope to
change that starting tonight. |
|
8 p.m. |
NBC |
“Joey” |
Joey follows his instincts, saying: “Vegas baby, Vegas!” |
|
8 p.m. |
ABC |
“Extreme Makeover” |
ABC features another desperate housewife. This one gets a neck
lift and liposuction. Fun. |
|
9 p.m. |
NBC |
“The Apprentice” |
There won’t be much sugar, spice, or anything nice when the
final five manufacture and sell a candy bar. |
|
9 p.m. |
ABC |
“life as we know it” |
Miss Young acts, well, young, when she catches Ben flirting with
a girl his own age. |
|
12:30 a.m. |
NBC |
“Conan O’Brien” |
Still living in the U.S., Alec Baldwin makes his second stop on
the late night circuit this week. |
|
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3 |
|
Time |
Network |
Program |
Description |
|
7:30 p.m. |
DISNEY |
“That’s So Raven” |
When Raven dreams that Cory shoplifts, she disguises herself as a
security guard to straighten him out. |
|
8 p.m. |
ABC |
“8 Simple Rules” |
Bridget must deal with Jim’s ex when she gets an offer to model
for a commercial. Raquel Welch guest stars. |
|
9 p.m. |
CBS |
“Figure Skating: Ice Wars” |
USA figure skaters Kristi Yamaguchi, Brian Boitano, and Todd
Eldredge take on the world |
|
10 p.m. |
NBC |
“Medical Investigation” |
Bioterrorism strikes a hospital when a flesh-eating bacteria cuts
loose. |
|
10: 30 p.m. |
ESPN |
“NBA Basketball: Pacers at Kings” |
The NBA allows the fighting Pacers to play in another nationally
televised Friday night game. Let’s hope the Kings’ sweep of the
Pacers last season won’t inspire any punches. |
|
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 |
|
Time |
Network |
Program |
Description |
|
2:30 p.m. |
CBS |
“College Football: Army-Navy Game” |
The real test of military readiness begins on the football field
as the Army and Navy battle each other for the 105th time. |
|
8 p.m. |
ABC |
“Big 12 Football Championship: From Kansas City, Mo.” |
The ninth annual title game. Number one-ranked Oklahoma lost to
Kansas State last time. Be sure OU won’t fall so easily this time. |
|
8 p.m. |
PBS |
“Get Down Tonight: The Disco Explosion” |
Pretend you have something to do tonight by watching a concert
with washed up disco greats like KC and the Sunshine Band, Donna
Summer, and the Bee Gees. |
|
8 p.m. |
VH1 |
“The Princess Bride” |
Rob Reiner’s 1987 fairytale film debuts on VH1. |
|
10 p.m. |
TLC |
“While You Were Out” |
A stressed New Yorker goes on a backyard retreat, only to
discover she can’t relax without two tons of concrete. |
|
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 |
|
Time |
Network |
Program |
Description |
|
1 p.m. |
CBS |
“NFL Football: Texans at Jets” |
The Jets have to play themselves when they meet the Texans and
former Jets cornerback Aaron Glenn and safety Marcus Coleman. The
question is: Who will benefit from this reunion more? |
|
5 p.m. |
ABC |
“NCAA Bowl Selection Show” |
You’ve been waiting for months to find out which schools would
play in each bowl. Well, wait no more. Just be happy with
not-so-shocking outcomes. |
|
7:30 p.m. |
FOX |
“Malcolm in the Middle” |
An evil neighbor deems Malcolm and Reese “gay.” Will Lois buy
into the rumors? |
|
8 p.m. |
FOX |
“The Simpsons” |
“Sex and the City’s” Kim Cattrall plays a TV newswoman who
inspires Lisa. Will she inspire her love of sex, expensive shoes, or
all things Manhattan? |
|
10 p.m. |
TNT |
“The Librarian: Quest for the Spear” |
Bookworm Noah Wyle does battle with an evil brotherhood trying to
steal a holy relic. |
|
10:30 p.m. |
E! |
“Life is Great with Brooke Burke” |
Debut: An inside look at the secret world of big-spending
Hollywood A-listers. |
|
A = awards show or
special, C = comedy, D = drama, DD = daytime drama, G = game show, K
= kids, M = movie, N = news/documentary, R = reality, S = sports, T
= talk/variety show. |
