Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
Fourth of July coverage, PBS, A&E, NBC, CBS (listings below). Most years, viewers get two choices for Independence Day coverage, via PBS and A&E. This year, two of the big guys — NBC and CBS — also jump in, doubling the field. The four, in order, are:
"A Capitol Fourth," 8 p.m., PBS. In Washington, D.C., Barry Bostwick hosts a musical night with James Ingram, Dolly Parton, Kristin Chenoweth, Craig Bierko, the National Symphony and a tribute to composer John Williams.
"This is Your Country," 5 p.m., A&E, repeating at 7, 9 and 11 p.m. After years of airing the Boston show, A&E switches to Nashville. Performers include Al Green, Lee Ann Womack, Brian Wilson and the Nashville Symphony.
"Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular," 8 p.m., NBC. This New York show has a youthful edge with host Carson Daly, plus Kelly Clarkson, Sheryl Crow, Beyoncé Knowles and John Mellencamp.
"Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular," 9 p.m., CBS. Jumping from cable to CBS, this event includes LeAnn Rimes and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Of Note
"An American Werewolf in Paris" (1997), 7 p.m., Fox. This is part of a two-day Tom Everett Scott flurry. On Thursday, he was Kate Capshaw's young lover in ABC's "The Love Letter" and Sally Field's manic-depressive son on "ER." Tonight, he visits France and falls for Julie Delpy, without realizing she's a werewolf.
"Dead Like Me," 7 p.m., Showtime. This series had a great debut last week. We saw 19-year-old Georgia (Ellen Muth) being accidentally killed by a descending toilet seat. Now she's one of many people assigned to collect souls. Tonight's episode, again juggling comedy and drama skillfully, details her younger sister's neurotic response; she also tries to simply boycott her job. It doesn't work that way, as she soon learns from her mentor (wonderfully played by Mandy Patinkin) and three other collectors, including Jasmine Guy.
"Annie" (1999), 8 p.m., ABC Family. Here's a superb TV version of the lightweight musical. Victor Garber is a fine Daddy Warbucks with great support from Audra McDonald, Kristin Chenoweth, Kathy Bates and more.
