Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"MI-5," 7 & 11 p.m., A&E. The final minutes are as compelling as anything on television. In England, this episode wrapped up the first season frustrating people with its cliffhanger. Americans will have it easier with next week's episode settling things. Tom Quinn (Matthew MacFadyen) is a spy who wants a normal relationship with his lover and her girlfriend. Now their apartment is rigged up with high-tech security. Meanwhile, Quinn meets an Irish terrorist who fears another group's plan will turn Ireland into a nuclear wasteland. Schemes and counterschemes follow. "MI-5" comes full-circle with a powerful finale.

Of Note

"Biography," 5 p.m., A&E. The best thing to happen to country music lately has been the Dixie Chicks. The worst was when stations blacklisted the Chicks for their political views. Here's a profile of the group.

"Performing As ... " debut, 7 p.m., Fox. It's a thin line between a real performer and a copycat. This series crosses the line. Contestants simply pretend to be famous singers.

"8 Simple Rules," 7 p.m., ABC. In this exceptional rerun, Paul (John Ritter) has a dream that his daughters are characters in "Three's Company." Part of the humor comes from the fact that Ritter starred in that show.

"The O.C.," 8 p.m., Fox. Now that Ryan is staying with the Cohens, there's tension over who will take Marissa to the debutante ball.

"P.O.V.: Family Fundamentals," 10 p.m., PBS. Three moving stories trace the relationships between extremely conservative people and gays who are close to them. In one case, it's a son, in another, a daughter; for former U.S. Rep. Bob Dornan, it's a cherished ex-staff member. Filmmaker Arthur Dong's style is slow and creaky, but it brings out deep emotions on all sides.