Thursday, July 28
5 p.m. “Modern Marvels”
Tracing the history of gasoline from its first formulation to its role as a vital component of globalism, and its future as a precious commodity we will fight over in a post-apocalyptic desert wasteland ruled over by savage barbarians. History Channel
6 p.m. “Batman Returns”
Michelle Pfeiffer in a tight black Catwoman outfit. That’s all you really need to know. (1992) ABC Family
6 p.m. “True Hollywood Story Investigates”
Examining how the “CSI” series compare to the reality of forensics work. It turns out the real thing is much smellier. E! Entertainment
7 p.m. “Smallville”
A kryptonite explosion splits Lex in two, unleashing his evil side. Substitute “tequila” for “kryptonite” and you’d describe some of our most memorable college weekends. WB
7:30 p.m. “Will & Grace”
Grace drags Will along on a first date. Sociologists say the approval of a gay roommate has become an important component in the modern mating ritual. NB
7 p.m. “Austin Powers: the Spy Who Shagged Me”
In the sequel to the 1997 hit, Mike Myers revisits each successful joke from the first film. This is all very funny until you stop to think that Dick Cheney probably dressed like that once. (1999) TBS
8 p.m. “The Law Firm”
In this reality series, real lawyers try real cases with real, legally binding decisions. Look for a future Supreme Court ruling on the case of “People vs. What the Hell Were You Thinking?” NBC