Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Remember the Alamo," 7, 11 p.m., History Channel. The story of the Alamo, related by historians in this documentary, may be more fascinating than the legends. Jim Bowie was fresh from some failed deed frauds that would have made him the biggest landowner in the United States.

Meanwhile, Davy Crockett was recovering from a political defeat and seeking a fresh start. Both were led by William Travis, a pro-slavery militant who had fled from his debts and his wife. Many men had arrived because Mexico failed to stop the tide of illegal immigrants to Texas. Now they were revolutionaries, facing a general (Antonio de Santa Anna) who was smart, brutal and methodical.

A sprawling mission complex, not really suited to be a fort, became the battleground. It's a compelling story, skillfully told.

Of Note

"The Simple Life," 7:30 p.m., Fox. Heiresses Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie help with the town fund-raiser. They're assigned to the kissing booth.

"Frasier," 8 p.m., NBC. In a rerun, Frasier and Niles are supposed to be in a celebrity bicycle ride — despite the fact that they've always feared biking. Meanwhile, their dad learns that Daphne's mom has meddled with his love life.

"P.O.V.: What I Want My Words To Do To You," 9 p.m., PBS. For five years, Eve Ensler — best-known for "The Vagina Monologues" — has had a writing program with inmates at New York's Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. This documentary watches her work with 15 women, leading to a powerful program of monologues.

"Unfaithful" (2002), 11:15 p.m., Cinemax. Diane Lane received a much-deserved Best Actress Academy Award nomination for her nuanced portrayal of an upper middle-class housewife who commits adultery. As directed by Adrian Lyne ("Fatal Atrraction"), the result is a slickly shot and wickedly sexy thriller. It also stars Richard Gere.