‘Survivor’ puts pressure on one player
This season’s “Survivor” (8 p.m., CBS) has taken a novel twist. For the first time, the “tribes” are so unevenly matched that the “Ulong” team is currently down to just one player, Stephenie LaGrossa.
In the past, losing tribes were merged with the more dominant group so players were not faced with uneven competitions, social isolation and the difficulties of gathering food and water with dwindling numbers. But this year, the makers of “Survivor” have allowed the show’s Darwinian struggle to unfold without a safety net.
I’ve always thought of “Survivor” as a summer camp diversion or a dodge ball game run amok. I’m still amazed that millions of viewers enjoy watching grown-ups play contrived contests and then return to a tribal council area that looks like a bad Tiki lounge.
But this latest twist demonstrates how “Survivor” remains the perfect game for our imperfect times.
In a recent interview, author Budd Schulberg (“On the Waterfront”) said that his 1941 novel “What Makes Sammy Run” has special resonance in a young century, an era he describes as “capitalism with the brakes off.” The same can be said for “Survivor.”
How many of us are just paycheck or two removed from being the next LaGrossa – out of luck and on our own?
On the other end of the compassion gap, Katie, 18, becomes the youngest recipient of the “Extreme Makeover” (9 p.m., ABC) “Queen for a Day” treatment. Born with an extreme jaw deformity, the teen will be helped by a battery of experts, including plastic surgeons and cosmetic dentists, along with a talented team of hair and makeup artists.
The show also focuses on heroic dental work for Nathaniel, 29, the first college graduate in his Kentucky family’s history, who has been held back from professional advancement because of his bad teeth.
Other highlights
Time to blow out the birthday candles on “The O.C.” (8 p.m., Fox).
A young woman (Katie Holmes, “Dawson’s Creek”) invites her dysfunctional family over for Thanksgiving dinner in the 2003 drama “Pieces of April” (8 p.m., Showtime), co-starring Patricia Clarkson (“The Station Agent”) and Oliver Platt (“Huff”).
A morale-boosting effort on “The Office” (8:30 p.m., NBC).
Mold melts the muscles of a manly man on “CSI” (9 p.m., CBS)
Selling a very special car on “The Apprentice” (9 p.m., NBC)
After her untimely death, an eccentric commuter asks Tru for help on “Tru Calling” (9 p.m., Fox).
A psychic wanders off on “Without a Trace” (10 p.m., CBS).
Scheduled on “Primetime” (10 p.m., ABC): an interview with former New York Police Commissioner (and controversial Homeland Security candidate) Bernard Kerik; an apartment complex where would-be stars hope to be discovered.
A jaded reporter (David Janssen) gets the lowdown on America’s mission in the 1968 Vietnam war drama “The Green Berets” (10:30 p.m., AMC) starring John Wayne, who also produced the film.
Cult choice
Released in 3-D, the 1953 shocker “House of Wax” (5 p.m., Turner Classic Movies) stars Vincent Price as an obsessed sculptor who uses corpses to make his creations more lifelike. Look for Carolyn Jones (“The Addams Family”) and Charles Bronson (billed as Charles Buchinsky) as the mute assistant Igor.
Series notes
The search for an assistant on “Joey” (8 p.m., NBC) … On back-to-back episodes of “Jake in Progress” (ABC), a familiar face (8 p.m.), and the best intentions (8:30 p.m.) … Wrestling on “WWE Smackdown” (8 p.m., UPN) … Two solid hours of “Blue Collar TV” (8 p.m., WB) … Neela returns on “ER” (10 p.m., NBC).
Late night
Anthony LaPaglia, Ana Gasteyer and Mariah Carey appear on “Late Show with David Letterman” (11:35 p.m., CBS) … Jay Leno hosts Farrah Fawcett, Gerard Butler and The Killers on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC).