Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must See:

"The West Wing," 8 p.m., NBC. All three of President Bartlet's daughters are in the White House for Christmas. That's a rare occasion — and one clouded by distractions. Christian relief workers have been arrested in Sudan and assisted-suicide doctors have been arrested in Oregon. Then there is the president's son-in-law, who wants to run for Congress.

"Horatio Hornblower: Duty," 6 p.m., A&E reruns at 8 p.m., 10 p.m. and midnight. Tuesday's "Hornblower" film ended with a surprise. Acting more from sympathy than passion, the young naval commander proposed to Maria, the sweet daughter of his penniless landlady. Tonight's film starts with the wedding, then goes on to an adventure against Napoleon's forces. Hornblower rescues a mysterious, French-speaking man. He also confronts Wolfe, the traitor. This is an epic story, tautly written and beautifully filmed.

Of Note:

"Christmas in Rockefeller Center," 7 p.m., NBC. The Christmas-tree ceremony is filled with lots of up-tempo music. That includes both "American Idol" winners (Kelly Clarkson and Ruben Studdard), plus Ashanti, Enrique Iglesias, the Brian Setzer Orchestra and Harry Connick Jr.

"The Simple Life," 7:30 p.m., Fox. Heiresses Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie are required to make their own money, so they try working as milk maids at a dairy. Rural life proves to be a shocker for both of them.

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," 9 p.m., ABC. In this special, which could turn into a series, the "Extreme Makeover" people try to copy the "Trading Spaces" formula — even hiring that show's carpenter, Ty Pennington, to refurbish a home. The result is loud and chaotic, but the eventual makeover is impressive.