Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"American Experience: Chicago: City of the Century," 9 p.m., PBS; continues through Wednesday. A sinewy, blue-collar mood runs through Chicago's history. This place offered few frills. Tough men — many of them German and Irish immigrants — came to work. They drank in bars that were segregated by ethnic group; they lived in spartan homes, surrounded by mud, odors and disease. It was a modest start for what would become a great city. This documentary tells the story superbly.
"American Music Awards," 7 p.m., ABC. Don't worry too much about who wins what. Just savor the entertainment, which includes hosting by Ozzy, Sharon, Kelly and Jack Osbourne. Kelly will also sing as will Ja Rule, Shania Twain, Christina Aguilera, Kenny Chesney, B2K and matchbox twenty. Toby Keith and Willie Nelson and Elton John with Tim McGraw will perform duets. Ashanti is nominated for favorite new artist in two categories. Pop/Rock (facing Kelly Clarkson and Puddle of Mudd) and Hip-Hop/R&B (facing B2K and Nappy Roots). Country's new-artist nominees are Kellie Coffey, Carolyn Dawn Johnson and Tommy Shane Steiner.
Of Note
"Benedict Arnold: A Question of Honor," 6 p.m., A&E reruns at 8 p.m., 10 p.m. & midnight. Here is the epic story of a man who plummeted from being George Washington's favorite general to the country's most notorious traitor. Wrapped into it is the class-consciousness of Arnold, who felt the rich were sipping wine while others fought the revolution. The good news is that director Mikael Salomon has created a great-looking film with Aidan Quinn and Flora Montgomery terrific as Arnold and his wife. The bad news is that writer William Mastrosimone leans toward stiff speechifying, especially from Washington (Kelsey Grammer).
"Everybody Loves Raymond," 8 p.m., CBS. Here's a rerun of an episode that is both hilarious and observant. When Robert has money troubles, Ray loans him $1,000 — then is startled by what he does with the money.
"Joe Millionaire," 8 p.m., Fox. In last week's opener, we learned that the pseudo-millionaire (actually a $19,000-a-year construction worker) is a likable chap who can pass for rich. At this point, he's still choosing from 12 beautiful women.
