Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Boomtown," 9 p.m., NBC. For the third time, this superb series focuses an episode on David McNorris, the deputy district attorney played with simmering intensity by Neal McDonough. McNorris has just returned from alcohol rehab. He's been demoted to a secondary role in the trial of an accused cop-killer (Rebecca De Mornay). Complicating things is the arrival of his dad (Stacy Keach). The guy is asking for a big-time favor — one that brings dramatic impact by the end of this excellent hour.

"Merge" debut, 8 p.m., Lifetime. Two prosperous yuppies have just married. They have an empty new house plus two old homes filled with mismatched furniture. As they vacation in Hawai'i, the people in this show take over. They shred some things (literally) and give others away. The rest — plus $5,000 in new things — are merged into one appealing home. This series-opener is fun, with host Lisa Rinna and designer Angelo Surmelis.

Of Note

"Joan of Arcadia," 7 p.m., CBS. Last week's wonderful premiere introduced a teen to whom God appears in various human forms. Tonight, she's supposed to get serious about school and take a tough chemistry class.

"Miss Match," 7 p.m., NBC. Kate frets about a friend who is dating two guys and about two friends who want her to handle their divorce.

"Married to the Kellys" debut, 7:30 p.m., ABC. A New York guy moves to the Kansas turf of his wife. He's accustomed to big-city life among strangers. Her family prefers warmth, hugs and games. There's great potential here, but it's squandered in an opener that makes many of the characters too broad.

"Hope & Faith," 8 p.m., ABC. This show's second episode has some terrific broad humor, involving a funeral and a missing ring. It also has quieter observations on the plight of the middle child.