Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Fear Factor," 7 p.m., and "Meet My Folks," 8:30 p.m.; both NBC. NBC keeps finding new gimmicks for these reality shows. Tonight, it moves "Fear Factor" to Las Vegas for a 90-minute special. The winner gets $50,000 but then must bet half of it on a single hand of blackjack. The settings — shot entirely at night — are filled with neon lights.

The contestants are interesting. They range from a quiet med student to a guy so bizarre he has a full-color "Fear Factor" tattoo. After "Fear," "Meet My Folks" temporarily becomes "Meet My Kids." Three men want to take a woman to Hawai'i. Her grown sons will make the selection.

Of Note

"Bonnie and Clyde" (1967), 3 p.m., and "In Cold Blood" (1967), 5 p.m.; both Turner Classic Movies. These two '67 films are opposites in everything except this — both are brilliantly directed stories of real-life crimes. "Bonnie and Clyde" has flash, dazzle, and Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway as bank robbers. "In Cold Blood" is a stark, black-and-white film with Robert Blake terribly convincing as a killer.

"Tempted," 7 & 9 p.m., Lifetime. Virginia Madsen plays someone who is settled into a steady life, complete with career, husband and kids. Then a trip to Hawai'i has her confronting family secrets and a potential lover who is buff, tan and much younger.

"King of Queens," 7 p.m., CBS. Doug and Carrie have big problems when a contractor walks away without finishing the job.

"Veritas: The Quest," 7 p.m., ABC. Juliet takes big chances when trying to steal an artifact from an arms dealer.

"Married by America," 8 p.m., Fox. This show now settles into its regular slot. In the weeks ahead, viewers will see if their matchmaking leads to a real marriage.

"The Practice," 8 p.m., ABC. Jimmy and Eugene represent a guy who may have killed several women and might have Helen as his next target.