Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"Nova: Death Star," 8 p.m.; and "Sound and Fury" (2000), 9 p.m.; both PBS. Here is PBS at its best with documentaries offering science, humanity and pretty pictures. The "Nova" story goes back to 1967 when scientists — monitoring the nuclear test ban — found fierce explosions in outer space. Great minds have struggled to explain how and where they happen. This is a story filled with frustrations and triumphs.

That's followed by "Sound and Fury," which traces the points where science and humanity collide. Peter and Chris Artinian are brothers on Long Island. Each has a child who was born deaf, but could hear with a cochlear implant. Chris, who is hearing, favors the move. Peter, who is deaf, disagrees, arguing that his daughter should embrace the deaf world. This is the best kind of documentary, one that causes viewers to think and feel.

Of Note

"Imagine That" premiere, 7 p.m., NBC. Fresh from great work in "Uprising," Hank Azaria reverts to comedy, playing a writer who drifts into fantasies. There's terrific talent, including Jayne Brook, Joshua Malina, Katey Sagal and (in daydream duties) Azaria. Alas, the opener reaches so far for sexual themes that its humor seems overdrawn and not very funny. Once it settles down "Imagine" could be fun.

"Three Sisters," 7:30 p.m., NBC. Movie director Garry Marshall takes an acting turn — just as he used to on "Murphy Brown." He plays Bess' boss, a man obsessed with dogs.

"Spin City," 7:30 p.m., ABC. Romantic complications: Caitlin (Heather Locklear) is dating a guy (Perry King) whose daughter is dating Caitlin's ex-squeeze, Charlie.

"24," 8 p.m., FOX. For the first six episodes, we've known there is a traitor in the Counter Terrorists Unit. Now we learn who it is.