Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Children of Dune," 7, 9 & 11 p.m., Sci Fi Channel. A terrific miniseries that's sweeping in scope and rich in characters concludes tonight. As this chapter begins, the royal family of Atreides is in chaos. The twin heirs to the throne have disappeared. Their aunt and guardian, Alia, has descended into madness. Their grandmother, Lady Jessica, has been kidnapped. There are plots by Princess Wensicia (Susan Sarandon) to overthrow them. This will be a busy night.

Of Note

"Normal," 6 p.m., HBO. If you missed Sunday's premiere of this offbeat film here's a rerun. Tom Wilkinson plays a small-town, blue-collar guy who casually announces he wants a sex change. Jessica Lange plays the wife who still loves him.

"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox. The 11 remaining contestants compete.

"8 Simple Rules," 7 p.m., ABC. Terry Bradshaw guest-stars in this rerun. He plays a former baseball star whose son is dating Bridget.

"Frasier," 8 p.m., NBC. Here's the episode NBC promised last week then delayed. Frasier and Niles are obsessed with caviar.

"The Shield," 8 & 9 p.m., Fx. As David and Vic search for America's most wanted criminal, Claudette and Wagenbach go after a store owner accused of rape.

"Domestic Violence," 9 p.m., PBS. Frederick Wiseman is a master of cinema verite — documentaries that use unobtrusive techniques. He uses that approach to record battered women's stories in courtrooms and shelters.

"DON'T SAY A WORD" (2001), 10:45 p.m., Cinemax. Michael Douglas stars in this oddly intriguing thriller. He plays a psychiatrist whose daughter is kidnapped by thieves who want him to delve into the memory of a mentally ill teen (Brittany Murphy) who may know the whereabouts of a stolen jewel.