Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's must-see: "Once and Again," 9 p.m., ABC. For years, producers Ed Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz have given us vivid portraits of Thanksgiving angst. First, in "thirtysomething" then, in "Once and Again." The pattern stuck: Relatives converge, amid high expectations. Words fly, feelings flow; it all becomes chaos. Now comes a new episode with a counterpoint: Chaos might be tough but the lack of it is tougher. In one home, Rick's new wife, Lily (Sela Ward) struggles with her first mega-Thanksgiving. In another, his first wife, Karen (Susanna Thompson) is alone. Here are two gifted actresses working opposite ends of the emotional spectrum. Swarming around are all the usual diversions with Rick's job, Eli's band practice and the girls' rehearsal for a play. Then there's a handyman, a wonderful character played by guest star Benito Martinez. This is a good episode and the final five minutes are great.
"Star Trek: The Next Generation," 7 a.m., TNN. Patrick Stewart plays host to this marathon stuffed with guest stars. That includes Ashley Judd (1 p.m. and 3 p.m.), Leonard Nimoy (4-6 p.m.) and Kelsey Grammar (6 p.m.)
"Big Daddy" (1999), 7 p.m., FOX. Adam Sandler plays a slacker who tries to win back his ex-girlfriend (Joey Lauren Adams) by adopting a boy.
"The Rugrats Movie" (1998), 8 p.m., CBS. This pleasant cable cartoon show's first movie is an adventure in which the kids try to return a new baby to the hospital. The result is moderately enjoyable and somehow became a huge box office hit.
"Providence," 7 p.m., NBC. Recovering from his brain damage, Syd's dad needs to get rides for his Thanksgiving good deeds. Complications follow.
"Twice Upon a Christmas," 7 p.m., Pax TV. Last year, a pleasant Pax movie had Kathy Ireland as Santa's daughter. Here is the sequel. She is married with stepchildren and has no memory of her North Pole life.
"'NSYNC: The Atlantis Concert," 9 p.m., CBS. The pop group performs in the Bahamas. There is also a medley with Tim McGraw and a chat with Rosie O'Donnell.
