Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

• TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE (barring news pre-emptions): "Frasier," 8-9 p.m., NBC. The women in Frasier's muddled romantic life dominate this one-hour season opener. There is sweet Claire (Patricia Clarkson) and Lana, the crumbling ex-prom queen (Jean Smart). There also are (via fantasies) ex-wife Lilith (Bebe Neuwirth) and almost-wife Diane (Shelley Long).

"JAG," 7 p.m., CBS. As last season ended, Mac hit a hurdle at her wedding with Mic: The plane carrying Harm — her longtime colleague and maybe her true love — disappeared. Tonight comes the rescue and the rethinking.

"Dharma and Greg," 7 and 7:30 p.m., ABC. Last season ended with a car crash, leaving Dharma in the hospital, Greg in guilt and their parents in conflict. Tonight's season opener is set in the hospital.

"Emeril" premiere, 7 p.m., NBC. Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse stars as (what else?) a TV chef. All the good lines go to the women around him. Unfortunately, each speaks with the same voice, that of series creator Linda Bloodworth ("Designing Women").

"That '70s Show," "Undeclared," 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., FOX (rescheduled from last week). First is a "'70s Show" season opener, which peeks at what the future would have been like if Eric and Donna had never kissed. Then a college comedy from "Freaks and Geeks" producer Judd Apatow premieres. The characters may grow on us gradually.

"The Guardian" premiere, 8 p.m., CBS. A young lawyer, cold and distant, sees his life change. Convicted of drug crimes, he is required to work with kids. We just don't like the guy.

"Spin City," 8 p.m., ABC. Michael J. Fox guests on the show he once starred in. He's enamored with a zoologist, played by Olivia d'Abo.

"Philly" premiere, 9 p.m., ABC. "NYPD Blue" producer Steven Bochco and actress Kim Delaney try a new city and setting. No match for Bochco's best, but worth watching.