Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"American Celebration at Ford's Theatre," 9 p.m., ABC. Television has almost forgotten the art of doing a variety show. This one is a dandy. There's clever humor from host Kelsey Grammer and comedian George Lopez. There's solid contemporary music with Brian McKnight's "Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda" and LeAnn Rimes' "Suddenly." And emotions flow. After Sam Waterston recites a tribute to Abraham Lincoln (who was shot in this theater), Alison Krauss and the Union Station offer the songs "Down to the River to Pray" and "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow." Later (after its "Front Porch Lookin' In"), Lonestar does its passionate "I'm Already There," alongside photos of soldiers' families. That song — followed by the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" — wraps up a strong hour.
Of Note
"AFI Tribute to Robert De Niro," 6 p.m., USA Network. Who would have guessed that the raging young wise guy would evolve into one of the wise men of the movie world? Tonight, the American Film Institute honors De Niro with clips and comments.
"Comic Book Superheroes Unmasked," 6 p.m., History Channel. Peta Wilson — of the "La Femme Nikita" series and the upcoming "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" film — hosts this documentary, which looks at how comic-book characters have evolved.
"According to Jim," 7 p.m., ABC. This pleasant comedy offers four straight reruns. The first has Jim (Jim Belushi) leaving his daughters with another family. The second has him trying to remodel the bedroom. In the third, he and his wife (Courtney Thorne-Smith) meet people who are overbearing but can get great Chicago Bears tickets. In the fourth, he deletes a digital picture she liked.
"This Time Around," 8 p.m., ABC Family. Here's a second chance to see this pleasant movie, which premiered yesterday. A former geek (Carly Pope) schemes to date and dump the guy (Brian Green) who humiliated her in junior high. It's utterly predictable, salvaged by the warmth of Pope's performance.
"Meet My Folks," 9 p.m., NBC. This wraps up a two-parter with a high school principal and his wife deciding who can take their beautiful daughter to Australia.
