Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"The O.C.," 8 p.m., Fox. "The O.C." (short for Orange County) is on the way to being a first-rate drama. The story centers on Ryan (Benjamin McKenzie), a decent kid from a crummy family. His brother nudged him into a car-theft that resulted in his arrest. Then their mom vanished. Ryan, 16, is temporarily staying in the splendid home of his lawyer (Peter Gallagher), the guy's rich wife (Kelly Rowan) and their teen son (Adam Brody). The beauty next door (Mischa Barton) pals with rich kids and doesn't know her dad is in deep financial trouble. This episode begins on the day before Ryan goes to a foster home. Big events soon make the characters deeper and more interesting.

Of Note

"Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," 5, 7 & 10 p.m., Bravo. The Fab 5 transform a member of their crew.

"Miss Teen USA," 7 p.m., NBC. Brooke Burns (who also hosts "Dog Eat Dog") and Mario Lopez (who seems to host everything else) host this pageant.

"Life With Bonnie," 7:30 p.m., ABC. Don Lake guest stars as someone who says he was abducted by aliens.

"Less Than Perfect," 8:30 p.m., ABC. Here is a rerun of a poignant episode for actor Andy Dick, who was adopted in real life. His character, Owen, meets his biological father (Barry Bostwick).

"Nip/Tuck," 10 p.m., FX. Sean (Dylan Walsh) considers helping a transsexual and worries about the sloppy work of a low-rent plastic surgeon. He also warily watches his business partner (Julian McMahon) make a deal with a porno-film producer. This coldly distant series is starting to add a soul and a conscience, but that won't be easy.

"The Osbournes," 10:30 p.m., MTV. The season finale has the family again bonding to help Jack.