Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas," 7 p.m., WB; and "A Charlie Brown Christmas," 8 p.m., ABC. The two greatest cartoons in TV history arrive on the same night. Both are from the 1960s, and each has heart and wit. "Grinch" also has Chuck Jones' wonderful animation and a delightful song; "Charlie Brown" links gentle, low-budget animation, three new cartoons and sweet, jazzy music.

"Taken" finale, 7,9 and 11 p.m., Sci Fi Channel. In Thursday's episode, the alien-hunters learned just how much power they're facing. An alien ship seemed to swoop down, take Allie (the young girl who has extra-terrestrial roots), befuddle everyone else and leave. It was all an illusion, however, created by Allie's mind. Now she and her parents are hiding out on her great-grandmother's Texas farm while officials pursue her. We haven't seen this finale and can't guarantee it won't be a letdown. Thursday's outing, however, indicates "Taken" is a winner.

Of Note

"The Wizard of Oz" (1939), 6 p.m., TNT. Here's another chance to see this great Judy Garland film.

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," 7 p.m., CBS. This stop-motion animation tale is OK but no where near the level of "Grinch."

"Providence," 7 p.m., NBC. After a tornado hits Tennessee, Syd rushes to help.

"The Santa Trap," 7 p.m., Pax TV. The real Santa (Dick Van Patten) is in jail; and a crook, disguised as him, is free. From there the movie has some good moments. It's always fun to see an elf soldier armed only with squirt gun and silly string.

"Tootsie" (1982), 7 & 11 p.m., A&E. Dustin Hoffman plays an actor who pretends he's an actress.

"Out of Sight" (1998), 8 p.m., USA Network. Just before scoring big with the Oscar-nominated "Traffic" and "Erin Brockovich," director Steven Soderbergh made this smart and stylish film. A prisoner breaks out, takes a federal marshal (Jennifer Lopez) hostage.