Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Ed," 8 p.m., NBC. One of TV's better series ends its third season tonight. Let's hope there will be a fourth. For now, the show has Ed (Tom Cavanagh) torn between two lovers. Frankie (Sabrina Lloyd) is his new law colleague; Carol (Julie Bowen), a teacher, is someone he's been obsessed with since they were teenagers. Will it work out? Stay tuned.

"Def Poetry Jam," 9:30 p.m., HBO. Last week's debut had some sensational moments — especially from Daniel Beatty and Jill Scott. Tonight is another terrific episode. These aren't for everyone. The words are strong, the attitudes are strident, the rating is TV-Mature. Under that surface, however, you'll find deep thoughts, brilliant writing and fine delivery. Catch the poet named Dayna, discussing a long relationship that produced children, but no marriage. Hear a zesty, two-poet tribute to the late musician Tito Puente. And catch Michael Ellison's riff on being a light-skinned black man at a time of dark-skinned heroes: "We were in charge when DeBarge was large," he recalls.

Of note

"Napoleon," 5 and 9 p.m., A&E. If you missed the premiere Tuesday and Wednesday you can catch the entire miniseries tonight. Visually, there's an epic feel. In a supporting role, John Malkovich is brilliant. Still, Napoleon (Christian Clavier) seems oddly distant and dispassionate.

"Test the Nation," 7 p.m., Fox. Leeza Gibbons hosts this show, described as a national IQ test. That's refreshing, because Fox sometimes has no interest in IQ.

"Star Search" (CBS), "America's Most Talented Kid" (NBC) and "America's Funniest Home Videos" (ABC), all 7 p.m. This is what Fridays have come to. Add "Test the Nation" to this list and we find that no big network starts the night with a scripted show.

"Hack," 8 p.m., CBS. In this rerun, a hit man takes extreme action to find a protected witness: He kidnaps the teenage sister of a Justice Department worker. Mike, the ex-cop turned cabbie, tries to help.