Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"The George Lopez Show," 7:30 p.m., ABC. This might seem like a standard situation comedy, but it's a show with sharp wit and some moments of solid drama. Lopez plays a self-made man who's never known his dad. Now he needs a loan to send his daughter to a private school. Surprises follow and he's led to a shadowy guy played by Lou Diamond Phillips.

"Great Performances: Kiss Me Kate," 8 p.m., PBS. In the era of the big-screen film "Chicago" and ABC's "The Music Man," this might seem disappointing. It's a stage musical, flaws and all. The story builds slowly and detours often. Some numbers — "Too Darn Hot" for instance — are wildly unrelated to the story. Stick around, though. Cole Porter's songs are brilliant and stars Brent Barrett, Rachel York and Nancy Anderson are amazing. That peaks with York's "I Hate Men" and Anderson's "Always True to You in My Fashion." These are stunning showpieces of wit, wisdom and immense talent.

Of Note

"My Wife and Kids," 7 p.m., ABC. Michael and his wife end up on the same jury — yes, that's a stretch. Soon they disagree about the case.

"American Idol," 7:30 p.m., FOX. We learn which two people will join the final 10. That makes eight. The others will be added next week — one by the viewers and one by the judges.

"The West Wing," 8 p.m., NBC. The staff ponders a new tax plan and worry that it might hurt Sam's congressional campaign.

"Law & Order," 9 p.m., NBC. Lucie Arnaz plays a rich cosmetics mogul in a story that involves murder, affairs, stock deals and hormone-replacement therapy.