Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"MI-5" debut, 6, 7, 10 and 11 p.m., A&E. MI-5 is the British version of the CIA. That said, "MI-5" is a tough British spy show, set in a military intelligence unit. It mixes smart writing, strong acting and flashy, quick-cut editing. Even the villains get their say. Tonight, that's an anti-abortion zealot who has killed a physician and her daughter. The script and Lisa Eichhorn's superb performance make her deeply human. The characters are flawed, fascinating and endangered — by the end of next week's episode, a key person will be dead. American viewers might recognize veteran actors Peter Firth and Jenny Agutter. "Masterpiece Theatre" fans have already admired gifted young actress Keeley Hawes in "Othello," "Our Mutual Friend," "Lucky Jim" and "Wives and Daughters." Now she plays Zoe Reynolds in this smart, sharp series.
Of Note
"Saturday Night Fever" (1977, AMC, 5 and 9:45 p.m.) and "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" (1971, ABC Family, 8 p.m.). Two wonderful movies, both mixing music with sharp visuals and strong scripts. "Fever" has John Travolta as a tough young guy who loves to dance; "Wonka" has whimsy and Gene Wilder.
"Gilmore Girls," 7 p.m., WB. Preparing for a fishing date in this rerun, Lorelai consults books on the subject.
"Last Comic Standing," 8 p.m., NBC. Last week's episode ended up pitting two opposite styles.
Dave Mordal is a brilliant comedian from Minnesota. and Dat Phan is a high-energy actor/comedian from California. Phan got 70 percent of the vote last week and Mordal was sent home. There will be one more showdown tonight. Next week, the final five will face a vote from TV viewers.
"P.O.V.: The Flute Player," 10 p.m., PBS. Arn Chorn-Pond was a young Cambodian, about 10, when the Khmer Rouge killed most of the country's traditional musicians. Since he played the flute (one instrument that was deemed acceptable), he was allowed to live. He was drafted into the army at 14, fled into the jungle and was later adopted by an American relief worker. Now, at 37, he has discussed human rights issues with Jimmy Carter, Bruce Springsteen and more. In this gently paced documentary, he returns to his homeland to assemble other surviving musicians.
