Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
LOCAL INTEREST: "Uncommon Courage: Patriotism and Civil Liberties," 8 p.m., PBS. This remarkable documentary tells the story of Japanese Americans who served during WWII as interpreters and translators of the Military Intelligence Service. The Hawai'i MIS talk about their experiences both in training and in the war in the Pacific.
TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE: "Friends," 7 p.m., NBC. Even in its best weeks this show can be both clever and childish. Here are examples of both. The main plot has Rachel and Phoebe competing, to see who can be maid of honor for Monica. The result is terrific. The side plot has Joey and Ross feeling guilty because they enjoy napping together. The result is sophomoric but easily forgiven.
TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE (cable): "The Godfather" (1972), 8:35 p.m., AMC. The latest honor for this extraordinary movie came with a survey of professional screenwriters. They picked "Godfather" as the third best script in film history, trailing only "Citizen Kane" and "Casablanca." It deserves it. Long before "The Sopranos," novelist Mario Puzo and director Francis Ford Coppola combined to create a rich script. It made us care about people we should hate. It was filled with classic phrases, plus moments of stunning dramatic power. Coppola also directed brilliantly, giving the film an epic sweep and lining up an amazing cast. Marlon Brando had the title role, but then-newcomer Al Pacino was the real star. Other perfect performances came from James Caan, Robert Duvall, Talia Shire (Coppola's sister) and Diane Keaton.
"Gilmore Girls," 7 p.m., WB (seen on KFVE). Lorelei must attend a Parents Day event at her daughter's ritzy school in this rerun.
"Spy TV," 7:30 p.m., NBC. More nasty stunts: A receptionist sees a boss whom she thinks is dead.
"Night Visions," 8 p.m., FOX. In one of the stories Jay Mohr plays a haunted Gulf War veteran; in the other, parents are upset when a registered sex offender moves into their building.
"Will and Grace," 8 p.m., NBC. This rerun has Karen excited by the novel Jack is writing.
"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. This rerun has the suicide of a student after being rejected by a fraternity.
