If James Bond were real he’d have been killed a long time ago. Not necessarilly because of his death-defying acts of bravery, but because he is so conspicuous.
The three-part “Spytek,” which premieres from 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 23, on the Discovery Channel, will reveal the truth about spies: the most effective ones are furtive and covert.
Hosted by Roger Moore, who played Bond in seven films, “Spytek” will look into the clandestine world of intelligence and counterintelligence operations with three consecutive one-hour episodes:
“The Real 007” will include a look at how convicted spy Aldrich Ames finally fell victim to the advanced technology of the FBI’s elite “spy catcher” after he compromised more than 100 operations.
“The Deadly Game” will review the technology of assassination with a grisly assortment of instruments designed by intelligence agencies for killing.
“Spy vs. Spy” will feature an array of spy devices, including a rectal pistol concealment and miniature surveillance cameras disguised as a necktie, umbrella or pack of cigarettes. The episode also will visit a Stasi “safe house” for debriefings and interrogations outside Berlin, a house with miles of cable, hidden cameras and microphones–even in the bathroom.
– Starting March 11, “Ellen” will take a six-week hiatus to give the new show “Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place” the 8:30 p.m. Wednesday timeslot on ABC. “Ellen” will return April 22.
– Write this down or clip it out: “Body Count” (PolyGram Video), the action thriller about dishonor among thieves, comes to video April 21. It stars David Caruso, Linda Fiorentino, John Leguizamo, Ving Rhames, Forest Whitaker and Donnie Wahlberg–all of whom are on the video box trying their best to look mean.
However, “Body Count” (Live Home Video), with the tag line “He was a hired professional, but this was personal,” comes to video March 17. It stars Ice T and Alyssa Milano–both of whom are on the video box trying their best to look mean.
And of course later this year we will get “Body Count” with the promotional line, “He was a hired professional with killer jokes.” It stars Bozo–who is on the video box trying his best to look mean.
– Two new movie channels will be available to the nation’s estimated 3 million satellite TV subscribers starting March 10. Showtime Extreme is a 24-hour channel devoted exclusively to action and adventure movies.
The first all-movie network created by a Hollywood studio, fXM will feature movies from the 20th Century Fox studio library. Although available first to satellite customers, operators of new networks are positioning themselves for a time when cable television systems have far greater channel capacity.
– WYCC-Ch. 20 has received a grant from the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation to produce a program documenting the creation of a special discussion/open rehearsal/performance featuring the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. It will be taped Tuesday before a live audience. A ticket can be obtained for $1.50 by calling 312-294-3000. The grant will partially fund a TV special to air in the fall.
– WCIU-Ch. 26 at 10 p.m. next Monday through Friday presents “Pick Your Poison Week,” five “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” episodes dedicated to his most creative uses for poison.
