Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE: "America's Funniest Home Videos," 7 p.m., ABC. When "Videos" arrived in 1990, it was a quick success. Here was the uncomplicated joy of regular people on detour. Tom Bergeron has been hired as host and has been given freedom to actually add some humorous things. Bergeron shows tiny samplings of his wit on "Hollywood Squares." It was the old "Fox After Breakfast" show, however, that showed he's something rare: a bright, witty TV guy. That could be the final touch that makes "Videos" a winner.

"Mysterious Ways," 7 p.m., NBC. One of Declan's students is shot — to no apparent effect.

"That's Life," 8 p.m., CBS. For people who keep grumbling (correctly) about Friday night wastelands, here's good news: This well-made drama-comedy — one of this season's better new shows — is moving to this time slot. That starts tonight with its excellent pilot film. Heather Paige Kent plays a savvy bartender who, at 32, finally decides to head to college. The result skillfully blends humor and warmly drawn characters.

"Dark Angel," 8 p.m., Fox. Now for some more good news about Fridays. This strong and stylish series moves to this time slot for the rest of the summer then moves to 7 p.m. in the fall. Director James Cameron ("Titanic," "Terminator") produces this show about a young woman who was trained as a warrior, then escaped. Tonight's rerun shows the search for her heating up as Logan lingers near death.

"S.O.B." (1981), 6 p.m., A&E. Just as his career was fading, director Blake Edwards came up with this Hollywood satire. It's erratic, but has some great moments.