Paige Wiser’s TV highlights – Chicago Sun-Times
Brian J. Smith (left) and Robert Patrick star in the sci-fi movie “Red Faction: Origins” on Syfy.
TODAY
“Great Performances” (7 p.m., WTTW-Channel 11): The 11-year-old Jackie Evancho, discovered on “America’s Got Talent,” finally gets her own special.
“Red Faction: Origins” (8 p.m., Syfy): Robert Patrick leads a science-fictionally correct cast (Brian J. Smith of “Stargate Universe,” Kate Vernon of “Battlestar Galactica”) in this movie about Martian wars.
“Surviving D-Day” (8 p.m., Discovery): The battle tactics for Omaha Beach in World War II involved magicians, pigeons and watercolor landscapes.
SUNDAY“Downton Abbey” marathon (8 a.m., WTTW-Channel 11): There’s no better way to spend your day than with this quality “Upstairs, Downstairs” knockoff.
“So Random!” (7:30 p.m., Disney): Singer Demi Lovato’s TV series, formerly known as “Sonny With a Chance,” soldiers on without her.
“Man-Eating Super Snake” (8 p.m., Animal Planet): For the title alone, you should watch. Followed by “Finding Bigfoot” at 9.
“The Glades” (9 p.m., A&E): The second season reunites us with locals Kiele Sanchez (a real actress from Carol Stream) and Detective Jim Longworth (a fictional character from Chicago). First order of business: preventing a mob war in Florida.
“MTV Movie Awards” (8 p.m., MTV and VH1): “Saturday Night Live’s” Jason Sudeikis hosts, with performances by Foo Fighters, Lupe Fiasco and Trey Songz. Bonus: Reese Witherspoon is honored for representing my generation. I couldn’t be prouder.
“Teen Wolf” (10 p.m., MTV): A new series about the movie that defined my generation. I couldn’t be more disturbed.
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