Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE: "Mystery: Second Sight," 8 p.m., PBS. In the first half of this story, things went terribly for detective Ross Tanner (Clive Owen). Already losing his eyesight, he lost his girlfriend and had few clues in the two-year-old murder of a beautiful violinist. His personal problems don't get much help here, but the case has a beautifully written and acted conclusion. Even if you missed the start, catch it tonight.
TONIGHT'S MUST-TAPE: "Friends" (7 p.m.), "Will and Grace" (7:30 p.m.) and "ER" (8 p.m.), all NBC. It's a night of old beginnings for NBC. We see first, or early, episodes of three shows. That starts with the opening "Friends." Monica's organized life is thrown into chaos when irresponsible Rachel arrives, having fled her fiance. These characters have grown thoroughly since then. Still, there were hints of what a clever comedy "Friends" would become. Then comes an early "Will and Grace," in which Eric reluctantly asks Jack to move in. Afterward, the first "ER" captures the madness of having killer work shifts for young doctors. Mark Greene (Anthony Edwards) struggles with lack of sleep while considering an upscale job.
"Survivor: The Australian Outback," 7 p.m., CBS. Now things are down to the final six, putting the million-dollar payoff just three weeks away.
"High School High" (1996), 7 p.m., Fox. Jon Lovitz plays a teacher thrust into a tough school. Naturally, he finds a beautiful colleague (Tia Carrere), idealism and occasional funny moments.
"NA MELE," 7:30 p.m., KHET. Featuring Nina Kealiiwahamana and Bill Kaiwa. Repeats 10:30 p.m. Sunday.
"Stand By Me" (1986), 8:30 p.m., AMC. Rob Reiner directed one of the great films about youth. Four boys, led by the late River Phoenix, go on a journey in the 1950s, to see a dead body. Mostly, they learn about life in a film (based on a story by Stephen King) that's sometimes funny and often moving.
"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. With "Big Apple" suddenly ousted, CBS throws in two rounds of "CSI." First is a new one, focusing on the kidnapping of a baby. Then comes a rerun, with a woman's body found on a mountain.
"Horatio Hornblower: The Mutiny," 6 p.m., A&E. Here's a second chance to see this well-made film, with the young naval officer realizing his captain is losing his grip. This film ends in limbo, with the second half of the story Sunday.
