Tube Notes

Mike Hughes,
Gannett News Service

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"Mysterious Ways," 8 p.m., Pax TV: A paraplegic lawyer has been using his own injury to get sympathy from juries and to make his clients rich. Suddenly, at Christmastime, he has healed. Is it a miracle? Is it a hoax? Stick with this one. There are some surprise twists and turns. As usual "Mysterious Ways" is skillfully written, acted and directed. It's not a series you can jump in any week, but this episode would be a good night to try.

OF NOTE

"JAG," 7 p.m., CBS: At Christmastime Harm is in charge of a combative sailor.

"Nova: The Methusalah Tree," 8 p.m., PBS. Science and poetry entwine in a terrific hour. High in the California mountains is a tree that has been around for 4,644 years — making it almost the oldest living thing on Earth. This hour ranges from scientists discussing the specifics to a poet offering lyrical thoughts for and from the tree.

"The Guardian," 8 p.m., CBS. Bernard White, a talented character actor, plays an Arab American whose court case brings up sensitive racial issues.

"NYPD Blue," 8 p.m., ABC. Connie, the cop played by Charlotte Ross, finds a tough way to meet the daughter she gave up at birth.

"Great Performances: The Art of Violin," 9 p.m., PBS. At its best, this show offers dazzling clips of great violinists throughout the past century. Interspersed are interviews and comments. Mostly we learn that few people (Itzhak Perlman excluded) can verbalize the art of music.

"Scrubs," 8:30 p.m., NBC. Christa Miller ("The Drew Carey Show") returns as Dr. Cox's ex-wife in this far-ranging Christmas episode.