Cinemax, 6:50 p.m. ET
This particular “spider-web” movie — my term for a movie that ensnares you whenever you see it on TV — really ought to be called a “fishnet film.” No matter: Here it is again, and here I am again. Steven Spielberg’s 1975 waterlogged masterpiece has just been released in a stunningly clear new Bu-Ray version. We’re gonna need a bigger TV set…
CBS, 8:00 p.m. ET
Yesterday afternoon, Victoria Azorenko fought off first-set jitters, and an initially overpowering Maria Sharapova, to emerge victoriously in a tough three-set semifinal, putting her against Serena Williams in tonight’s prime-time women’s final. Williams, of course, was here last year — but she lost, in a surprising upset, and ought to hit the court tonight with her racket blazing. (Tune in earlier, at 12 p.m. ET, to see coverage of men's semifinals.)
TNT, 8:00 p.m. ET
On the same night a rival network is showing Steven Spielberg’s Jaws from 1975, TNT is presenting his Oscar-winning WWII epic filmed 13 years later. What range. What talent. And, with Ryan, what a cast: Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Paul Giamiatti, Ted Danson and Tom Sizemore star.
BBC America, 9:00 p.m. ET
Tonight’s episode is titled Dinosaurs on a Spaceship. I don’t know any more about it, but I don’t need to. It sounds perfect. And this comes from a guy who never fell under the pre-hype high-concept spell of Snakes on a Plane.
TLC, 9:00 p.m. ET
This TLC documentary was originally televised last year, on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. It tells of what happened on the 88th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade center, and the efforts of people outside — and especially inside — the building to save as many lives as possible. Three days before another 9/11 anniversary, it’s a grim but good reminder.