Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Frontier House" finale, 9 p.m., PBS. Over the first four hours, we've seen three families try to re-create pioneer life in 1883 Montana. So far, four months have elapsed. Homes have been built, people have cooperated (and, occasionally, cheated). Now the final hours focus on the quality of life and the horrors of winter. The little community builds a schoolhouse and brings in a teacher steeped in Montana history; then it holds a harvest fair.

Of Note

"Ed," 7 p.m., NBC. The principal vetoes the idea of including a mentally challenged child on the "Quizbowl" team.

"American Family," 8 p.m., PBS. Using silent-movie-style flashbacks, we hear Jess' story of his grandmother during the Mexican revolution.

"According to Jim," 7:30 p.m., ABC. Dan Aykroyd guest stars on this show as an old pal ready to relive wild days.

"The Bernie Mac Show," 8 p.m., Fox. Bernie wants his nephew to help him lie to his wife so they can catch a basketball game.

"The West Wing," 8 p.m., NBC. There's heavy drama on all fronts: The president's summit meeting with the Russian chief may be shattered by a revelation about nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, C.J. has a stalker and Charlie finds a curious, encoded letter to the president.

"Law & Order," 9 p.m., NBC. Remember the scandal involving lying about the age of a Little League star? Tonight, that idea is turned into a murder story.