Daily Picks

The Color Purple 8:00 pm  ET

It was remade as a Broadway musical, but the original movie -- whose big-time loss at the Academy Awards had a lot of folks seeing the color red -- remains a great "watch" 23 years later. That's due in large part to Whoopi Goldberg's portrayal of an abused wife who finds love from an unlikely source -- her husband's mistress -- and hope from her sister's incredible journey. Oprah Winfrey gives a gut-wrenching supporting performance.

Flubber 9:00 pm  ET

Robin Williams brings his wacky energy to the Fred MacMurray role in this 1997 remake of Disney's "The Absent Minded Professor." His character, Philip Brainard, inadvertently invents a miraculous substance that bounces, flies, looks like a prop left over from "Ghostbusters" and may save his struggling school from financial ruin. Marcia Gay Harden plays the college president, who also happens to be Brainard's girlfriend.

I Witness 8:00 pm  ET

Shouldn't there be a comma in that title, a la "I, Robot"? Nah, it wouldn't help. A lukewarm direct-to-video drama from 2003, it stars Jeff Daniels as a human rights investigator who stumbles upon 27 dead bodies near a U.S.-owned factory near the U.S.-Mexican border. Could this be the work of drug gangs? A cover-up by the evil American corporation? Does anyone care? Sadly, in a better-made movie, you might.

The Big Country 8:00 pm  ET

Although better known for his singing, Burl Ives won an Oscar and a Golden Globe for his performance in director William Wyler's sprawling 1958 Western epic about two ranching families feuding over water rights. Gregory Peck plays the sea captain who gets caught in the middle of the feud when he comes west to marry into one of the families. Jean Simmons, Carroll Baker, Charles Bickford and Chuck Connors also star.

Ugly Betty 8:00 pm  ET

Remember Gina, the Suarezes' former neighbor and nemesis? She's back, married to a doctor and eager to torment Hilda (Ana Ortiz) with her wonderful new life. Betty (America Ferrera) faces another difficult woman at work: Renee (Gabrielle Union), who's convinced Betty is trying to steal Daniel (Eric Mabius) from her. Ava Gaudet returns as Gina in "Burning Questions."

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 9:00 pm  ET

Um, so what exactly was he training for? In this episode, a washed-up boxer turns up dead at the brothel where he'd been living and training. None of the working girls were exactly fans of his, and he had a number of close calls in a single night ... but which was the fatal one? James Whitmore, Wendy Makkena and Peter Stormare guest star in "Ending Happy."

Grey's Anatomy 9:00 pm  ET

Who says you can't go home again? In "Piece of My Heart," Addison (Kate Walsh) is back at Seattle Grace as a guest surgeon, and she's amazed to see how her ex-colleagues' lives have changed. Also back in the picture is Rebecca, aka Ava (Elizabeth Reaser), the amnesia patient, who has a surprise for Alex (Justin Chambers). Meredith and Derek (Ellen Pompeo, Patrick Dempsey) get their first clinical trial patient.

Supernatural 9:00 pm  ET

It's not nice to take things from people who are still using them, Doc. An alleged zombie case brings Sam and Dean (Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles) to Pennsylvania, where they encounter not a zombie but a doctor (Billy Drago) who has stayed alive since the 19th century by stealing other people's vital organs. Sam deals with him while Dean heads off to confront Bela (Lauren Cohan) in "Time Is on My Side."

Tabatha's Salon Takeover 11:00 pm  ET

Its name means "heavenly," but Tabatha Coffey finds it closer to the other place. Let's just say the owner of the De Cielo Spa and Salon in Burbank, Calif., could stand a few lessons in keeping his establishment clean. And he doesn't exactly take that news graciously. Tabatha enlists the help of his staff to clean up the place and attempt to adjust his attitude in this new episode.

Interview With the Vampire 6:55 pm  ET

If you want your book made into a good movie, write it yourself, as Anne Rice did with this excellent 1994 drama based on her novel. An unhappy 200-year-old vampire (Brad Pitt) consoles himself by telling his story to a journalist (Christian Slater), starting with his transformation at the hands -- er, teeth -- of the vampire Lestat (Tom Cruise). Kirsten Dunst gives a chilling performance as a vampire who's only 12 years old -- on the outside anyway.

NUMB3RS 9:00 pm  ET

Remember Clay Porter (Sharif Atkins), the ex-Marine who killed his girlfriend's murderer a few months ago? He's back, and there's gonna be trouble -- specifically the kidnapping of his father and sister by a trio of fellow Marines. These guys aren't out for revenge, though; they think Clay has something else they want. Alan's (Judd Hirsch) latest plan to make the Epps home environmentally friendly doesn't sit well with Charlie (David Krumholtz).

PGA Tour Golf 3:00 pm  ET

It isn't often Phil Mickelson gets to go head-to-head against Tiger Woods in a final-round duel. And in those rare occasions, Tiger always won ... until last year's Deutsche Bank Championship when Mickelson's 66 beat Woods, Arron Oberholser and Brett Wetterich by two shots. With Woods out, Lefty won't get a reprise this week at the TPC Boston in Norton, Mass., although one has to think he's not too broken up about that.

Tequila Sunrise 6:30 pm  ET

This movie should have provided Mel Gibson with valuable experience on how to treat police officers. But, alas, it didn't. Here he is as Dale McKussic, a drug dealer trying to walk the straight and narrow. On his back is his former best friend, now a cop (Kurt Russell), who uses a woman (Michelle Pfeiffer) to trap him. Raul Julia, J.T. Walsh and Arliss Howard co-star in this 1988 drama.

Ella Enchanted 8:00 pm  ET

Everyone wants an obedient kid, but this is ridiculous! Anne Hathaway stars as Ella, a girl "blessed" at birth with the gift of following orders given by anyone. Tired of being subjected to cruelty by her step-family, Ella is determined to find the fairy (Vivica A. Fox) that blessed her and make her take it back. Along the way, Ella falls for and must rescue a young prince (Hugh Dancy) with an evil uncle (Cary Elwes). Aidan McArdle co-stars in this 2004 adventure.

Ghost Whisperer 8:00 pm  ET

Oh, grow up already, Kate; you're dead! Let the man move on. Professor Payne (Jay Mohr) incurs the wrath of his wife's ghost when his old girlfriend, Nina, re-enters his life with her 10-year-old son. Melinda (Jennifer Love Hewitt) steps in to help him deal with the return of Nina and, of course, the jealous spousal spirit. Nikki Cox, Mohr's wife, plays Nina.

On the Waterfront 8:00 pm  ET

Marlon Brando became a contender in his own right as a longshoreman battling a ruthless racketeer in Elia Kazan's searing 1954 melodrama of political corruption and personal heroism. Filmed in Hoboken, N.J., this landmark film won eight Academy Awards, including best picture and best supporting actress (Eva Marie Saint), as well as Oscars for Brando and Kazan. Karl Malden, Rod Steiger and Lee J. Cobb co-star.

Meet Joe Black 9:00 pm  ET

You may find yourself yearning for the sweet release of death during this lethally slow-paced 1998 remake of "Death Takes a Holiday," only partly because the Grim Reaper is played by Brad Pitt this time around. Looking suitably solemn, the Pittster turns up to claim a tycoon (Anthony Hopkins) on the eve of his 60th birthday, only to fall for the wealthy man's daughter. Not surprisingly, Dad doesn't think much of this prospective son-in-law, and not merely because he's a Jennifer Aniston fan.

Video Voyeur: The Susan Wilson Story 9:00 pm  ET

Captain Deakins, quit spying on Abbie Carmichael! Two veterans of the "Law & Order" universe reunite in this fact-based 2002 drama. Angie Harmon has the title role of a woman whose life is invaded by her neighbor (Jamey Sheridan, "Law & Order: Criminal Intent"). The neighbor secretly sets up surveillance equipment in her home, using it to make recordings of the most private moments between Susan and her husband (Dale Midkiff).

The Invasion 8:00 pm  ET

Nicole Kidman got "spacey" for her role in this 2007 remake of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." She stars as Carol Bennell, a psychiatrist who discovers the alien -- literally -- origins of a disease that has been causing mass behavior changes in the human population. And it seems that the only person with an immunity is her son (Jackson Bond). Daniel Craig, Jeremy Northam and Jeffrey Wright co-star.

The Unit 8:00 pm  ET

Papas, don't let your babies grow up to be soldiers. But if they do, be sure they've got what it takes. Jonas (Dennis Haysbert) puts his daughter's strength and conviction to the test when she tells him she wants to join the service. Out in the field, Bob, Williams and Grey (Scott Foley, Demore Barnes, Michael Irby) are assigned to rescue a group of diplomats and their families under attack in Abidjan. Regina Taylor also stars in "Every Step You Take."

College Football 5:00 pm  ET

Kickoff Week in college football includes this matchup that, on paper, is a blowout in waiting. But not so fast. Yes, LSU is the defending national champ, but that team lost plenty of key players, including at quarterback, where junior Andrew Hatch takes over. And Appalachian State knows all about upsets. It kicked off last season with a stunning win at Michigan and is the three-time defending Football Championship Subdivision champ.

How to Deal 5:30 pm  ET

Mandy Moore is an excellent young actress -- a far better one than you'd expect a former teen pop diva to be -- and she deserves a better movie than this 2003 romance, which can't decide whether it wants to be a comedy or a melodrama. Moore's character is 17 and has already given up on love, having learned from her divorcing parents, Bridezilla sister and tragedy-stricken best friend that no romance lasts, so why bother? The premise has potential, but the movie could use a shot of Lighten Up.

The Matador 7:00 pm  ET

Lots of people are unhappy with their jobs, and assassin Julian Noble (Pierce Brosnan) is no exception. Feeling lonely on his latest assignment, he strikes up a conversation with a traveling salesman (Greg Kinnear). A friendship of sorts is formed and as Julian's only pal, Danny (Kinnear) is stuck being the therapist for a hit man having a breakdown. Hope Davis co-stars in this 2005 dramedy.

For the Love of Grace 9:00 pm  ET

There's nothing like a good old-fashioned tear-jerker with a happy ending. This new drama stars Mark Consuelos ("Hope & Faith") as Steve, a widowed firefighter whose grief is affecting his work. An apartment fire brings a writer (Chandra West) with a painful past of her own into his life, and the relationship helps them both to heal their wounds. Corbin Bernsen and Ennis Esmer also star.

NCIS 9:00 pm  ET

Let's be careful out there, folks. Two members of the NCIS team are sent to Iraq when the site of a mortar attack in the capital becomes a murder scene. Investigating crimes stateside is one thing, but working in a war zone could definitely get interesting. Rocky Carroll ("Chicago Hope") returns as Leon Vance, assistant director of the NCIS, in "In the Zone."

Death Sentence 10:00 pm  ET

Originally written as a sequel to "Death Wish" by author Brian Garfield, this melodrama undergoes some alterations in revising the main character from a Charles Bronson-brand vigilante to suit Kevin Bacon. The character still makes the transformation from peaceable family man to violent avenger after his son becomes the victim of a merciless gang. Kelly Preston plays Bacon's wife, and John Goodman has a notable turn as an arms supplier.

The African Queen 10:00 pm  ET

Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn are pure magic as boozing steamboat captain Charlie and prim missionary Rose. He offers to ferry her to civilization after her brother is killed at their remote African outpost at the start of the First World War. It's prim, peace-loving Rose who makes the unlikely suggestion that they fashion a homemade torpedo and kick some German butt -- er, boat. Theodore Bikel also stars.

MADtv 11:00 pm  ET

Charlie! Merry! Glad you could make it! Actor Dominic Monaghan, known for his work as a druggie on "Lost" and a hobbit in the "Lord of the Rings" movies, is the guest star in this episode and gamely takes part in sketches spoofing both "Lost" and the fantasy-film genre. Arden Myrin, Bobby Lee and Jordan Peele also appear.