Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"Gary the Rat" premiere, 7:30 p.m., The National Network. This cable channel has a winner tonight as it premieres two good cartoons for grownups ("Ren & Stimpy Adult Party Cartoon" and "Stripperella," noted below) and one great one. All are for mature audiences only and not intended for kids. "Gary the Rat" is from the clever guys (Mark and Rob Cullen) who are behind the cable series "Lucky." This one has wit, originality and the voice of Kelsey Grammer. He's a big-time lawyer who has inexplicably transformed into a giant rat, suit and all. Tonight, he orders cheese delivery and ducks the exterminator hired by his neighbor. He also ignores his mom and defends a tobacco company and intimidates its victims. He's kind of a rat.
Of Note
"Ren & Stimpy Adult Cartoon Party," 7 p.m., The National Network. Here are new adult episodes, featuring the former Nickelodeon characters. Tonight, they move into a spittoon. The result is sometimes funny and sometimes just gross.
"One Fine Day" (1996), 7 p.m., ABC. Here is a romantic comedy — previously scheduled and then delayed — that is quite likable. George Clooney and Michelle Pfeiffer play two busy people who meet by accident.
"Friends," 7 p.m., NBC. A night of reruns starts with this terrific one. After Ross (David Schwimmer) takes an Internet swipe at Chandler (Matthew Perry), there's retaliation — and a memorial service.
"Scrubs," 7:30 p.m., NBC. Elliot (Sarah Chalke) suggests that she and J.D. (Zach Braff) become "sex buddies."
"Stripperella," 8 p.m., The National Network. There's an offbeat charm to this cartoon — produced by Marvel Comics chief Stan Lee — about a stripper who fights crime. Pamela Anderson provides the voice and modeled for the character, and her now ex-boyfriend, Kid Rock, sings the title song. This is reasonably bright and funny.
"This Far by Faith: African-American Spiritual Journeys," 9 p.m., PBS. The final chapter of this three-night documentary watches modern Americans stretch for their roots in African religion. The first hour sees the rising interest in Yoruba, the Nation of Islam and the Muslim American Society. The second sees 60 people walking from Massachusetts to Florida, then taking a demanding boat trip to Africa.
