Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Joan of Arcadia," 7 p.m., CBS. What do you do when your dad and God have opposite views? God suggests that Joan take a tough guy to the school dance. Her dad, the police chief, disagrees.

"Animal Kidding," 7, 11 p.m., Animal Planet. The final few minutes of this holiday hour are absolutely wonderful. The rest is pleasant enough. "Kidding" is sort of OCandid Camera" meets OAmerica's Funniest People." It has low-key moments, often involving hidden cameras. In one stunt, a boy recognizes instantly that the talking reindeer is just a trick. In another, host Dave Coulier is disguised as a guy with the world's worst animal acts, including Christmas snails. These bits are mildly entertaining, simply because the kids are so likable. Then comes the big finish. That's a variation on the OTwelve Days of Christmas," catching kids by surprise. One keeps breaking the five golden eggs; another warily holds the 11-foot snake. Then there's the one boy (budget cuts) a-milkin'. Neatly conceived and edited, this bit is a holiday classic.

Of Note

"Romantic Comedy" (1983), 7 p.m., Pax TV. Bernard Slade's stage play was adapted into this mild movie, following the relationship between two writing partners, played by Dudley Moore and Mary Steenburgen.

"Holiday at Pops," 6, 10 p.m., A&E. It's been a few years since the last Christmas special by the wonderful Amy Grant. During that time, she's gone through a divorce and has married country star Vince Gill. Tonight, both will sing with the Boston Pops.

"JAG," 8 p.m., CBS. For Harm, it's time to petition to be the legal guardian of Mattie Grace.

"Miss Match," 8 p.m., NBC. The self-centered Serena (Charisma Carpenter) is back and is now pondering adoption. Meanwhile, Victoria works as an elf and meets a flirty Santa.

"Hope & Faith," 8 p.m., ABC. Soap star Rebecca Budig (Greenlee on OAll My Children") plays the actress who landed Faith's old role.

"Life With Bonnie," 8:30 p.m., ABC. Bonnie drifts into a OIt's a Wonderful Life"-type scene, with Dick Van Patten and Phyllis Diller as guest stars.

"Third Watch," 9 p.m., NBC. All sorts of Christmas stories entwine, including loneliness, a long-lost brother, stolen presents and a homeless child who's rescued from a flaming building.