Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Frasier," 8 p.m., NBC. Emmy voters were tough on "Frasier" this year. It wasn't even nominated for best comedy. The show has slipped a few notches, but it still has moments of brilliance. This hourlong rerun offers "Frasier" at its best. The episode starts with Frasier taking Claire (Patricia Clarkson) on a tropical vacation — but dreaming of Lana (Jean Smart). Soon, we get a fantasy sequence in which he meets the important women in his life. Diane (Shelley Long) and Lilith (Bebe Neuwirth) are there; so is his mother (Rita Wilson) and even someone from his youth (Dina Waters). The result is funny, perceptive and Emmy-worthy.

"Beware of Dog" premiere, 2, 5 and 9 p.m., Animal Planet. Trying its first situation comedy Animal Planet does pretty well. "Beware of Dog" is no "Frasier," but it too has clever moments. Our hero is a cynical mutt who just wants to live the high life for a week in suburbia. Soon, he's part of a family that's just as odd — and as needy — as he is. Filmed with a human voice adding the doggy thoughts, "Beware" becomes kind of fun.

"American Idol: The Search For a Superstar," 8 p.m., FOX. With just three weeks left, this show is down to five young competitors. They sing tonight with one of them being ousted Wednesday.