Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Ed," 8 p.m., NBC. One of TV's better shows has been whisked away to a bad time slot. Let's hope people find it. Tonight Frankie learns how obsessed Ed is with Carol — who is dating a handsome teacher, played by Chris Isaak. Eli learns that his former restaurant is thriving, and he ponders the changes since an accident paralyzed him.

"The Stranger Beside Me," 8 p.m., USA Network. Ann Rule's grandfather and uncle were sheriffs. She was a Seattle cop before authoring true-crime stories. But she missed the most important observation. Young women were being killed in Seattle. Others reported that a handsome, glib guy who said his name was Ted approached them. Rule never made the connection: The killer was her handsome, glib friend, Ted Bundy. This isn't the Bundy story. It's about the tendency to overlook what's nearby. Barbara Hershey plays Rule; Billy Campbell is chillingly brilliant as Bundy.

Of Note

Basketball, 7 a.m. to noon, and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., CBS. The NCAA tournament continues.

"Search For the Talented Kid in America" premiere (7 p.m., NBC) and "Pet Star" (6 and 10 p.m. Animal Planet). In the stampede to copy "American Idol," here's an oddity: Two shows air simultaneously and Mario Lopez hosts both. The NBC show has performers ages 3-15. "Pet Star" ranges from a pig who paints to a dog who stacks flying discs.

"The Kamehameha Schools Song Contest," 6:30 p.m., KHON. The 81st annual edition of this competition will include best performances in boys' and girls categories, and a co-ed competition. Broadcast live from the Blaisdell Center Arena.

"Farscape" conclusion, 6 p.m., Sci Fi Channel. This above-average series wraps up with a daring attempt to destroy the wormhole.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. A young beauty pageant contestant is murdered.