Christmas in July
Last week, I bemoaned the fact that TV seems to be getting in the holiday spirit way too early. Now comes an airing of 1985's "Santa Claus: The Movie" (7 p.m. Movie Network) with Dudley Moore pulling elf duty, and 1971's "Bing Crosby and the Sounds of Christmas" (7 p.m. GetTV). If you suddenly feel the urge to re-watch "It's A Wonderful Life," then the bad guys have won.
Back on the chain gang
It was inevitable that "Rizzoli & Isles" would get around to a women-in-prison story line. But what's so surprising is that this 100th episode was directed by star Angie Harmon, who thankfully emphasizes humor over knife fights in the shower. Harmon, who will be free to move on at the end of this season, should be a prime target for a smart sitcom. Sharon Gless, whose character in "Cagney & Lacey" never would have agreed to such a shameless plot, does show up as a chatty inmate.
8 p.m. TNT
Unsolved mysteries
"Killer Instinct With Chris Hansen" returns with the "To Catch a Predator" host looking into the disappearance of a California woman after a July 4th party. We wish Hansen and his team the best, but I hope he doesn't come knocking on my door if Kris Kringle suddenly goes missing.
8 p.m. Investigation Discovery
Neal Justin
