Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Friends," 7 and 7:30 p.m., NBC. The 7:30 p.m. episode reruns this season's hilarious Thanksgiving show. Christina Applegate plays Rachel's self-centered sister. Before that, however, is a new episode with trouble on all sides. Chandler and Monica try to slip quietly into a fertility clinic for tests. They soon stumble into a taunting old acquaintance. Meanwhile, Ross again feels frustration — this time in the "Cyrano de Bergerac" fashion. Last week he met a beautiful paleontologist (Aisha Tyler). Now that she prefers Joey, he reluctantly helps his pal woo her.

Of Note

"Survivor," 7 p.m., CBS. The field is trimmed to five.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. One case involves a man killed in a private jet; another ponders the deaths of two teens.

"Will & Grace," 8 p.m., NBC. An expanded episode has Will reluctantly representing Karen's husband in the divorce case. She seems to have an inept, young lawyer — played by former "Home Alone" star Macaulay Culkin (who, by the way, is now 22).

"Frontline: Burden of Innocence," 9 p.m., PBS. Previously, Ofra Bikel has told compelling stories of people who were unjustly imprisoned. Now comes a follow-up on five people who were released. It's a sobering story as shown in the opening portrait of Clyde Charles, who was released after 18 years. "He's in hell," says his sister, Lois. "He's miserable ... he's confused, he's hurt. My poor brother is lost."

"ER," 9 p.m., NBC. Feeling deep grief at a family funeral, Carter instead has to focus on other problems: Abby's mentally troubled brother shows up. A gang member also seeks vengeance.

"Without a Trace," 9 p.m., CBS. Breaking the show's mold, this hour focuses on Jack (Anthony LaPaglia). His methods may cause a molestation case to be tossed out.