Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Everybody Loves Raymond," 8 p.m., CBS. Already one of TV's best comedies, "Raymond" made a wise move by having Robert and Amy marry. The show's humor has been built from the droll outlooks of two married couples — Ray and Debra and Ray's parents. Things ranged only from cynicism to resignation. Now two newlyweds, Ray's brother and sister-in-law, are mixed in. Tonight, they try to give the others advice on marriage.

"Pizza Wars: New York vs. Chicago," 4, 7 p.m., Travel Channel. Pizza is a $32-billion-a-year business, according to this special. Often, the restaurants are started by passionate souls, adapting family recipes from Italy. Pride is intense and so is competition. Chefs are hired away; names are copied. Many New York spots are called "Ray's," even without a Ray. Some, not the originals, are called "Ray's Original Pizza." This adds up to a big, tasty story that's told with zest and fun.

Of Note

"The Maldonado Miracle," 6 p.m., Showtime. If you missed this wonderful film Sunday, catch it now. A dying town transforms after a boy, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, arrives. Peter Fonda, Mare Winningham and Ruben Blades star. Salma Hayek makes a great directing debut.

"Intimate Portrait," 4 p.m., Lifetime. Back in 1968, before figure skaters became leapers and acrobats, Peggy Fleming was a star. She was an American teen who won the Olympic gold. This special re-traces her life.

"Yes Dear," 7 p.m., CBS. Jimmy tries speed-dating to keep a friend company. He turns out to be good at it, which is a bad idea for a married guy.

"Two and a Half Men," 8:30 p.m., CBS. Alan's picky behavior drives away his brother's housekeeper. Now he must try to lure her back.

"The West," 9 p.m., PBS. Ken Burns' epic documentary series begins its rerun. It will air on eight of the next 11 Mondays, taking a couple of breaks for other shows.

"CSI: Miami," 9 p.m., CBS. The search for a kidnapped young tennis star leads to an area that has lots of alligators.