Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"Mysterious Ways," 7 p.m., Pax TV. This series, about people probing the unexplainable, is at its best when offering strong passions. Tonight, Peggy (Rae Dawn Chong) has a patient with two problems: He was bumped by a truck driven by Declan (Adrian Pasdar). Also, he says he's from 1934. The story has a strong payoff, plus a bonus: At a time when labor unions are taken for granted, we're reminded of the powerful issues at their roots.
"Watching Ellie" premiere, 7:30 p.m., NBC. Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays a young Los Angeles woman who sings in nightclubs and in commercials. She lives in a Los Angeles apartment and phones her married sister — played by her real-life sister Lauren Bowles. The catch: Every episode (22 minutes of story time) represents only 22 minutes of Ellie's life. There are some amusing moments here, as plumbing problems engulf two neighbors. This opener displays Louis-Dreyfus' excellent singing ability. Watching (or listening to) Ellie is fun, even though the format never lets the story build into any large laughs.
Of Note
"JAG," 7 p.m., CBS. This starts a two-parter set on a Navy carrier off Afghanistan.
"Nova: The Missing Link," 8 p.m., PBS. Scientists keep grasping for hints about the first creatures to crawl onto land. This richly researched hour views some past findings that seem shaky and newer ones that are surprising. That includes the fact that some early creatures may have had as many as eight (not five) digits.
"Frasier," 7 and 8 p.m., NBC. First is a rerun with Daphne jealous of Niles' attractive patient. The second is new. Frasier sets out to prove that Lilith's conniving brother, Blaine, played by Michael Keaton, isn't really paralyzed, he's just running a scam as a preacher.
"National Geographic: The Incredible Human Body," 9 p.m., PBS. This looks at real people facing extremes, from a top athlete to a man with a brain tumor.
"Hollywood Salutes Nicolas Cage: An American Cinematheque Tribute," 9 p.m., TNT. A serious actor with a quirky life, Cage provides a perfect honoree for this special played host by Samuel L. Jackson. With his loved one (Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis' daughter), he learns that Johnny Depp stole money from him and that Jay Leno envies him for having a car and motorcycle in his house. Cage — who changed his name from Nicholas Coppola — is lauded by his uncle, director Francis Ford Coppola. He also gets shocking news: Angelina Jolie thinks he's normal.
