Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Election" (1999), 7 p.m., Fox. During the past four years, Reese's Witherspoon's career has been zooming faster than a speeding bullet. First came the two brilliant satires "Pleasantville" and "Election." Then came two mainstream hits, "Legally Blonde" and "Sweet Home Alabama." Throughout this spurt, Witherspoon has breathed humanity into blonde stereotypes. For "Election," she's the teen overachiever who insists on being first at everything. Matthew Broderick plays a high school teacher who is obsessed with stopping her from being class president. Don't expect the usual ending; do expect a smart, cynical view of human nature. Alexander Payne, who is receiving end-of-the-year film critic kudos for "About Schmidt," directed this sleeper hit.

Of Note

Football, 3 p.m., ABC. The Orange Bowl offers offensive firepower with Iowa and Southern California vying for a win.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 7 and 8 p.m., CBS. The first rerun involves a worker handling rare books. The second is about a body found in an elevator.

"Friends," 7 p.m., NBC. Here is a rerun of the terrific season opener. Last season ended with new-mom Rachel in the recovery room. Joey found Ross' ring on the floor and the woozy Rachel thought Joey had proposed to her. The complications continue tonight.

"Blade Runner" (1982), 6:30 p.m., Sci Fi Channel. Ridley Scott's stunning film with Harrison Ford as a futuristic private eye is one of the greatest science fiction films.

"ER," 9 p.m., NBC. This reruns a strong hour from last season complete with torrential rain. Heroic actions are needed from Gallant and Weaver.