Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE: "Thieves" (8 p.m.) and "Once and Again" (9 p.m.), both ABC. When "Thieves" first aired it seemed to have it all — flash, dazzle and delight. It had two attractive stars (John Stamos and Melissa George) in a stylish tale about stealing stuff. What it didn't have, however, was anyone's attention. Already handed a bad time slot, it was delayed by and then obscured by the Sept. 11 events; people weren't interested in glittery make-believe. Now here is a second chance to catch the pilot. It's a beauty, showing our heroes meeting, competing, and then being forced to work for the government. Afterward, a new "Once and Again" episode is the virtual opposite of "Thieves"' glamour. Instead, it's a gray portrait of sex. Right now, sex is missing from the lives of Rick and Lily, who recently married. It's a debating point for Lily's sister, Judy, and the guy she was once hot for, Sam. Then there's Rick's daughter, Jessie, dealing with unexpected advances. This adds up to a thoroughly unsexy view of sex; it is, however, written and acted with intelligence and depth.

"Frosty the Snowman" and "Frosty Returns," 7 and 7:30 p.m., CBS. The first cartoon is great fun, thanks mainly to the buoyant title song. The second (with John Goodman as Frosty) is mostly pointless.

"The World Ice Challenge," 8 p.m., CBS. The United States and international figure skaters collide in this skating competition. The match features Olympic gold medallists Tara Lapinski, Kristi Yamaguchi and Brian Boitano.

"American Classics," 7 p.m., History Channel. Here is the finale of a four-night documentary looking at key pieces of pop culture. This views the entertainment world.