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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, July 12, 2002

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Monk" premiere, 6 and 9 p.m., USA Network. On a summertime Friday when our expectations tend to hit bottom, here's a happy surprise. We get a new detective series with a character who is somewhere between Columbo and Frasier Crane, played with wit and general daftness. Tony Shalhoub, known on TV for "Wings" and "Stark Raving Mad," plays Adrian Monk. Once a fine cop, he became obsessive after the unsolved murder of his wife. Monk was paralyzed by fears of germs, heights, crowds and more, but a nurse (Bitty Schram) helped nudge him a few steps toward normality. Now she's his aide as he does some private detective work. These are serious murder tales, but there's a humor on the edges.

Of Note

"Speed" (1994), 2 and 4:10 p.m., AMC. Here are two chances to see this terrific adventure about a bus that can't slow down. It's all action, but there are star-making performance by Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock.

"Invasion of the Hidden Cameras" debut, 7 and 7:30 p.m., Fox. Candid-camera shows have reached their next generation. This show, like NBC's "Spy TV" and WB's "Jamie Kennedy Experience," tries to set up its stunts like elaborate sketches. Fox has yet another one, "Meet the Marks," next week.

"Pyramids, Mummies & Tombs," 8 p.m., The Learning Channel. If you missed Sunday's premiere of this fascinating documentary, here's a second chance. Bob Brier has done other films about Egypt's pyramids; now he goes further visiting China, Mexico, Peru and the site of ancient Nubia.

"The Price is Right Salutes the United States Coast Guard," 8 p.m., CBS. This game show special was scheduled earlier, then pre-empted by news coverage.

"Marc Anthony: I've Got You," 9 p.m., CBS. This concert special was taped at a Connecticut resort.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. Two gifted actresses guest star in this rerun. Kathleen Wilhoite (Susan's troubled sister in "ER") and Piper Laurie ("Twin Peaks") are the foster mother and grandmother of a 5-year-old girl who was murdered. There are plenty of other suspects.