Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE: "The West Wing" (8 p.m., NBC) or "No Ordinary Baby" (9 p.m., Lifetime). Can serious issues be transformed into solid TV drama? They can if talented people are at work. "West Wing" usually proves that; so does this cable movie. For "West Wing," the investigation of President Bartlet is growing. Now the press secretary (Allison Janney) has a risky plan: She wants to discredit the special prosecutor, forcing a replacement. Meanwhile, experts are telling Bartlet that a Wyoming forest fire should be allowed to burn. This is not a popular view in Wyoming. On a lighter note, Donna (Janel Moloney) has a blind date with a charming Republican. Meanwhile, here's a fresh chance to see the well-made "No Ordinary Baby." Mary Beth Hurt is terrific as an earnest doctor who felt that cloning was the only solution for two people whose daughter had died. Bridget Fonda plays the reporter who launches a public storm. This is a strong story with a closing twist.

OF NOTE: "Gilmore Girls," 5 p.m., WB (seen on KFVE). This could be an emotional voyage for Lorelai, whose teen pregnancy scuttled her own chance to go to college. Now she and her A-student daughter, Rory, take a road trip that brings them to Harvard.

"Ed," 7 p.m., NBC. Molly gets angry at Ed when he represents a store-owner accused of making female employees wear skimpy clothes. Meanwhile, Carol's bitter when the new principal tries to change her teaching methods. Also, Mike wants a second child, and Phil wants a prized bowling ball.

"Enterprise," 8 p.m., UPN (seen on KFVE). The captain learns an important lesson: Always be wary of tribes that live in caves and hate humans.

"The Drew Carey Show," 8 p.m., ABC. Drew causes fresh problems for Kate, while trying to win her back.

"Law and Order," 9 p.m., NBC. A daytime kidnapping of a diamond dealer leaves two people dead.

"The Boys From Brazil" (1978), 10:30 p.m., AMC. Laurence Olivier is terrific as a Nazi-hunter in this strong (if far-fetched) tale.