Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"The Disco Ball," 7 p.m., ABC. Here's a joyous special that almost makes us miss the disco era. Almost. Some of the original performers show they can still belt beautifully. We hear Gloria Gaynor proclaim "I Will Survive," and Irene Cara puts pizzazz in "Flashdance." The Pointer Sisters perform "Jump," "I'm So Excited" and more. And some younger stars soar with old songs. Taylor Dayne, Usher, Mya and Nicki French could time-trek into disco stardom. Through good and bad, "The Disco Ball" is great fun.

Of Note

"Intimate Portrait," 7 p.m., Lifetime. Ever since Julia Roberts played her, Erin Brockovich has been seen as the classic triumphant underdog. Tomorrow she'll start hosting a weekly Lifetime series about other people's triumphs, but first this hour views her life.

"Joe Millionaire," 7 p.m., Fox. In case you missed it the first time, the network offers a rerun of this show's first two episodes. We see an ordinary construction worker transformed into a multimillionaire who courts young women who aren't in on his secret.

"Friends," 7 p.m., NBC. Joey is hot for Emma's new nanny. Meanwhile, Rachel's mad because her workplace rival has been invited to her birthday party.

"Will & Grace," 8 p.m., NBC. Rosanna Arquette plays an outgoing, free-spirited sort who is Leo's neighbor in Brooklyn.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. Yes, this can get grisly sometimes. Tonight, the clues start with an eyeball in a raven's nest.

"Without a Trace," 9 p.m., CBS. A pregnant woman with a deadly medical condition disappears from a hospital.

"ER," 9 p.m., NBC. Two actors from great old dramas have guest roles. Ed Asner ("Lou Grant") is an irascible old doctor who runs an inner-city clinic. Bruce Weitz ("Hill Street Blues") is a politician with a secret.