The unusual documentary "How's Your News?" (6 p.m., Cinemax) follows five mentally disabled men and women as they embark on a three week tour of America. Creators of their own TV channel, they conduct "man on the street" interviews with anyone who will speak with them.
The results are illuminating, occasionally difficult, often funny and invariably heart-warming. They sing songs in New York City, dance at a honky-tonk in Nashville, attend a cattle auction in Amarillo, Tex. and eventually blend into the shaggy scene on California's Venice Beach.
My favorite reporter, Ronnie Simonsen, has an encyclopedic knowledge of TV trivia, a fan's affection for Chad Everett ("Medical Center") and a ham's need to perform celebrity impersonations.
While I initially feared that this film (executive produced by "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone) might engage in crude exploitation, I was pleasantly surprised and completely charmed by "How's Your News?" The film shows the team having the time of their lives as they enchant complete strangers with their enthusiasm, intelligence, affection and sense of wonder. Highly recommended.
l Last Sunday, CBS aired "My Sister's Keeper." Tonight, USA unwraps "Brother's Keeper" (8 p.m.). What are the chances? A grim crime saga, "Brother's Keeper" stars Jeanne Tripplehorn as Lucinda Pond, a disgraced, alcoholic cop dragged back to the force by her former boss and lover Travis Adler (Leland Orser). Adler needs her to capture a puzzle-obsessed serial killer (Corin Nemec). As the title suggests, Lucinda's prey happens be her bad seed sibling, Ellis Pond.
Directed by John Badham ("War Games," "Saturday Night Fever") "Brother's" employs frequent flashbacks to Ellis and Lucinda's miserable childhood, when their mean, drunk, gum-chewing father beat them senseless with his belt. Gum wrappers and belts play obvious symbolic roles in Ellis' grisly crime spree. A bummer from start to finish, "Brother's Keeper" does give Nemec a chance to create a complex character a killer who can be needy, sly and charming all at the same time.
l Has John Edward gone to the dogs? No, but fans of his "Crossing Over" should enjoy "The Pet Psychic" (7 p.m., Animal Planet) a one-hour special featuring acclaimed animal "communicator" Sonya Fitzpatrick.
This modern-day Dr. Dolittle interacts with pets and livestock in both a studio setting and on location. Audience members seem amazed as Sonya conveys the inner thoughts of critters, including llamas, ducks, camels, horses, birds, dogs and, of course, cats. She might give a whole new meaning to the term "bird brained."
Tonight's other highlights
l The Slayer takes a part-time job at a fast food franchise on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (7 p.m., UPN).
l Now retired, Richard (Edward Herrmann) has too much time on his hands on "Gilmore Girls" (7 p.m., WB).
l "Nova" explores the history and science of pyrotechnics on "Fireworks" (7 p.m., PBS). Technicians have been tinkering with what the French call "artificial fire" since fireworks were invented in China more than 1,000 years ago.
l President George W. Bush delivers the State of the Union address (8 p.m., ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, UPN).
l The gang get jobs as lifeguards at a Chicago beach on "Real World" (9 p.m., MTV). And you thought "Baywatch" was contrived.
Cult Choice
l W.C. Fields shines in the 1940 comedy "The Bank Dick" (5:30 p.m., Turner Classic Movies), arguably, the best film about a security guard ever made.
Series Notes
"JAG," "Frasier" and "'70s" are repeats.
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