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.