Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-see

"Nova: Fireworks," 8 p.m., PBS. For five centuries, people have known how to create fireworks. The trick is mastering the details. One hurdle involved creating color. Another involved turning a military specialty into something for civilian pleasure. Today, fireworks are still made by hand. They're sometimes fired, however, by sophisticated computer systems, timed to music. Here is an hour that looks at the history and the modern masters. The start and end are filled with dazzling visuals.

State of the Union address, 4 p.m., ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNN, MSNBC and Fox News Channel. Most years, the president's annual speech includes something important. This year, with international news suddenly grabbing everyone's attention, that should be especially true. Most networks will follow with reactions and analysis.

Of Note

"Biography," 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., A&E. Joe Montana was dismissed by scouts as lacking the size or arm strength of a great quarterback. San Francisco waited until the third round to draft him — then saw him become statistically the best quarterback ever. This hour contains few interesting detours. Montana's first two marriages, for instance, are ignored. It does, however, include lots of touchdown passes.

"Three Sisters," 7:30, NBC. Elliott moves in with Nora — but is confined to one room.

"Smallville," 7 p.m., WB. A teenager has a crush on Lex Luthor, her parents' employer.

"Secret Life of the Brain," 9 p.m., PBS. Here's a look at a true enigma, the teenage brain.

"World of National Geographic," 10 p.m., PBS. This rerun views mummies discovered around the world.