Goode Versus Evil

ABC's summer animation series The Goode Family should be funnier than it is. America is in a liberal mood these days, and the moral excesses of the left-wing are low-hanging fruit for right-wing pundits. If Rush Limbaugh can entertain millions with harsh commentary about Democrats, then a group of seasoned Hollywood writers should be able to do the same thing. Still, it's Friday, and you'll be midway through a sixer by the time the show comes on.

The Goode Family [8:30 PM, ABC]

Helen is banned from a health food store when she - gasp - takes a sample that turns out to be anything but. Unlike South Park, the animation here is pretty complex so there is no way for the showrunners to respond to current events and make timely political commentary. Think what they could have done with the Henry Louis Gates thing. Opportunity missed.

Surf Patrol [8 PM, Travel]

Here's a pitch that shouldn't have been picked up: An unsexy Baywatch with real people. Newbie lifeguards in Queensland, Australia save people and patrol the waters and don't run in slow motion nearly enough. In this episode, a man has a heart attack on the beach while a woman searches frantically for her grandsons.

Lock N' Load with R. Lee Ermey [9 PM, History]

R. Lee Ermey hosts a new series about the history of firearms. The premiere tonight focuses on machine guns, but we hope Ermey gets some time to chew the scenery. Not only is he the best part of Full Metal Jacket, but he completely dominated his scenes in Saving Silverman. Stealing movie moments from Jack Black and Steve Zahn is the work of a master thief.

Saturday Night Fever [7:30 PM, We]

The clothes are dated and the disco music is constant, but for anyone under 30 currently living in New York this is an excellent document of what the city used to be. Also, watch John Travolta's performance and think how naturalistic he used to be, reacting to his surroundings and blending in despite wearing a white suit. Travolta received an Oscar nom for his Tony Manero role, and there's nothing wrong with peaking early as long as you eventually equal your early display of skill. Still waiting.