Finally, a night that feels like a regular fall evening of network TV. It's not that there is anything great and new that makes TV more inviting, but in keeping with a theme of the season, it's the returning series that offer hope.
EASY AS ABC ABC has the most to offer tonight with the return of Ugly Betty (8 p.m.) and Grey's Anatomy (9 p.m.) Since the network does not need the publicity, no screening DVDs for critics - which means no stars from me. But fans of these two outstanding series don't need a critic to tell them there is almost always three stars' worth of viewing pleasure to be had with these series.
CBS has Survivor returning at 8 p.m., and NBC has The Office back up and running at 9 p.m.
MARYLAND AS HORSE COUNTRY Maryland Public Television airs "Thundering Hooves," a locally produced documentary on steeplechase racing in Maryland at 10 tonight. The photography is lush, and the talking heads informative. The production qualities are first-rate on this in-depth look at history and current state of this tradition.
One concern for me is that the film sounds at times like a promotional message for the state. "Horse-racing communities across the globe recognize the area for having the most remarkable horses, most celebrated trainers, toughest jockeys and most demanding courses," the narration says. I have no way of knowing if that is true or not, but that many superlatives always make me wonder. ** 1/2 ( 2 1/2 STARS)
LATE-NIGHT GUESTS Paris Hilton visits The Late Show With David Letterman (11:35 p.m.. CBS). The Hives perform on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno (11:35 p.m., NBC).
