Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Mister Sterling," 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., NBC. This solid series wraps up its 10-episode run tonight. Then we'll hope NBC picks it up for the fall. Josh Brolin stars as a handsome young idealist and son of an ex-governor who was suddenly appointed to the U.S. Senate.

"Some stories might seem far-fetched," says Audra McDonald who plays his chief of staff, "but our producer (Lawrence O'Donnell Jr., a top Senate aide for seven years) has been there. Nine out of 10 times, the stories come from real life."

Mixed in there are the senator's maverick tendencies. That comes out in tonight's first hour.

"He pulls a surprise in a way that really throws me for a loop," McDonald says, avoiding specifics. McDonald, a gifted Tony award-winning singer, says she initially was against auditioning for the "Sterling" role.

"I didn't think I would get it because I'm African American," she says.

The producers insisted. She auditioned and started work four days later — all while continuing to perform concerts on weekends.

Of note

"Clear and Present Danger" (1994), 7 p.m., USA Network. Harrison Ford returns to his role as the CIA's Jack Ryan. It's a strong story, but it deteriorates into a shoot-em-up during the final half-hour.

"Philadelphia" (1993), 3 p.m., TBS. Tom Hanks won an Oscar for this portrayal of an AIDS victim who fights to keep his job. Denzel Washington plays his attorney.

"Hack," 8 p.m., CBS. Mike's ex-wife is fired from a hospital when she tries to expose a doctor's mistake.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. The only witness to a brutal sexual assault and murder is the victim's son. As police learn more, the case becomes tangled.