Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

OF LOCAL INTEREST

"Na Mele," 7:30 p.m., PBS. Kaua'i musicians, Manuakepa and Na Pali, are the focus.

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE (network)

"Friends," 7 p.m., NBC. The essential question left from last season: Who is the father of the baby Rachel's expecting? Don't ask Joey to figure it out. He's still confused about who, actually, is pregnant.

"Scrubs," 8:30 p.m., NBC. The show is clever enough, stuffed with everything from narration to sight gags. It's also deeply cynical, reaching excess tonight. Dr. John Dorian (Zach Braff), the new intern, is trying to befriend his mentor, Dr. Phil Cox, played by John C. McGinley.

TONIGHT'S MIGHT-SEE (cable)

"Turning Ten: A Nick News Celebration," 8 p.m., Nickelodeon. Linda Ellerbee launched "Nick News" in 1991, talking with kids about the Gulf War. Now her anniversary comes amid new war talk. Still, much of this special is upbeat. Kids launch a campaign to get cafeteria leftovers to the hungry and earnest debates about security measures in schools. We witness the first meeting of two children — one from Israel and one from Pakistan. Parts are simply too self-congratulatory. Still, we're reminded that Ellerbee gives young viewers an intelligent product.

OF NOTE

"Survivor: Countdown to Africa," 7 p.m., CBS. The real series begins next week. First we get this preview. It includes a brief look at the 16 competitors, plus talks with people from the first two editions.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. Just as she was packing to leave her dorm, a college student vanished.

"Will and Grace," 8 p.m., NBC. Will is now working with the same guy who was his boyhood bully. Woody Harrelson is still around as Grace's boyfriend; his birthday looms.

"ER," 9 p.m., NBC. The emergency room hits overload. Kovac and Abby reach a turning point.