Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

Winter Olympics opening ceremony, 6:30 p.m., NBC. This is the part that even nonsports fans love. There's no reason to fret about luges or curling strategies; there's simply pure spectacle and idealism. There will be lots of music, of course. That includes country stars LeAnn Rimes and the Dixie Chicks, plus people from the classical (Yo-Yo Ma) and pop (R. Kelly, Sting) worlds. Since this is in Salt Lake City, there also will be the epic music performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Utah Symphony Orchestra. Special pieces have been written by John Williams (the "Star Wars" composer), Robbie Robertson (of The Band) and David Foster. There will be much more, including the parade of athletes and the torch-lighting ceremony. Remember the power of the Atlanta games, when Muhammad Ali was the surprise torch-lighter? Katie Couric joins Bob Costas for the ceremonies. She gets to go home then, but he has 16 more days of skate-ski-luge-curl.

Of Note

"America's Funniest Home Videos," 7 p.m., ABC. Let's consider this a tribute to the Winter Olympics and the Super Bowl. This hour pieces together odd sports scenes.

"JAG," 7 p.m., CBS. For now, CBS is stuffing reruns into this slot and has stopped production on "Ellen." Tonight, Mac has a case involving an Indian Ocean incident.

"First Monday," 8 p.m., CBS. This show, from the "JAG" producers, continues to give us new episodes. Tonight, a senator tries to smear one of the justices.

"Dark Angel," 8 p.m., Fox. A wounded Max is taken to the hospital. That causes trouble because her blood and DNA don't fit the usual human mode.