Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE: "The West Wing," 8 p.m., NBC. TV's best drama series takes a steeply ambitious step. It had planned to open its season tonight with the two-parter in which President Bartlet launches his re-election campaign. Now that has been set aside a week; instead, here's a follow-up to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
The issue involves the possibility of a backlash against Muslims. In the hands of the gifted "West Wing" people, this could be a great hour.
"Enterprise," 8 p.m., UPN. Last week's terrific opener launched the star-trekking of a pioneering crew, a century before the adventures of Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock. The handsome captain (Scott Bakula) is wide-eyed and emotional; the gorgeous science officer (Jolene Blalock) is a steel-willed Vulcan. This should be a fun and bumpy ride. Tonight they come across a ship filled with corpses.
"According to Jim" premiere, 7:30 p.m., ABC. Jim Belushi plays a father of three, with Courtney Thorne-Smith as his wife and Larry Joe Campbell as his brother. These are talented people; alas, the opening story — with their daughter dreading kindergarten — is so-so.
"The Simpsons," 8 p.m., FOX. This show's annual Halloween episodes are among TV's best moments. Here's a rerun of last year's, including dolphins trying to overthrow humans.
"Electric Money," 8 p.m., PBS. Robert Cringely, whose "Triumph of the Nerds" viewed the computer revolution with humor and perception, takes on a new subject. This views the tendency to have paper money outdated.
"When Harry Met Sally" (1989) 9-11 p.m., TNT. Here's another chance to catch Rob Reiner's wonderful romantic comedy, which stars Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal.
"Law and Order," 9 p.m., NBC. A troubled man, much-honored as a Vietnam soldier, is found murdered. That leads Briscoe and Green to an investigation of his past — and of others from his unit.
• • •
Tonight on News 8
Get the latest news at 6 and 10 p.m. from Howard Dashefsky and Jodi Leong plus up-to-the-minute weather from Sharie Shima.
• Tonight, "In Parenting," Minna Sugimoto reports on swimmer's ear.
• Exclusive interview with a Pentagon scientist who works to prevent chemical and biological attacks.
Advertiser staff contributed to this listing.
