Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"Mystery: Forgotten," 9 p.m., PBS. A classic series finally returns, delivering a triumph — almost. "Forgotten" is a three-week series that has all the elements of greatness — then adds even more elements. Not quite sure when to stop, it throws in extra coincidences and (in the finale) an excessive twist. If you forgive that, however, "Forgotten" ranks with PBS' best. The setting is a sweet English village, where an attractive couple (Paul McGann and Zara Turner) has a bed-and-breakfast, an old-book business and a lonely daughter. Then a local girl disappears. A boarder arrives, played by Amanda Burton. "Mystery" had been around since 1980, ranging from great episodes to bland ones. Now that it's been reduced to being a summer replacement for "Masterpiece Theatre," it can focus only on the best.
Of Note
"Sling Blade" (1996), 7 p.m., ABC. Billy Bob Thornton's brilliant, Oscar-winning script created a memorable character — a small-town guy with a low IQ, violent nature and a deep sense of humanity. Thornton directed the film and leads a wonderful cast, backed by Dwight Yoakam, John Ritter, J.T. Walsh and young Lucas Black.
"King of Queens," 7 p.m., CBS. In a rerun, a round of golf leaves Carrie annoyed by Deacon's new girlfriend.
"Ally McBeal," 8 p.m., Fox. Guest stars include Heather Locklear as a bigamist and Lara Flynn Boyle as a witness.
"Everybody Loves Raymond," 8 p.m., CBS. Here's a rerun of an episode that some people found hilarious. Ray's mom has returned from art class with a sculpture that she considers abstract — and everyone else thinks looks too much like part of the female anatomy.
"Becker," 8:30 p.m., CBS. Two "Cheers" stars are reunited, when Rhea Perlman plays a therapist whom Becker (Ted Danson) is required to see.
"Great Performances: Romeo and Juliet," 10 p.m., PBS. An old story gets a strong new look, in this terrific film. Shakespeare's 1596 play became Charles Gounod's 1867 opera (in French, with English subtitles). Now it's been superbly filmed in and near a 13th-century castle. Roberto Alagna and Angela Gheorghiu are too old for the title roles, but sing beautifully.
