Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must See

"24" season-opener, 8 p.m., Fox. "This is going to be one of those days," President Palmer says. We know what kind — 24 hours to prevent the death of millions. He's been there before; this hour, shown without commercial interruption, indicates another great ride. It starts three years after the last crisis. Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) is back at work at the Counter Terrorist Unit, and his daughter Kim is there too. With its kinetic style, "24" makes a quick impact.

Of note

"Gilmore Girls," 7 p.m., WB. Lorelai reluctantly caters a party for her father, leading to new complications. Meanwhile, Rory has trouble studying at Yale.

"It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," 7 p.m., ABC. Here's a cartoon classic: Linus plans to spend Halloween in a pumpkin patch.

"Joe Schmo," 7 and 9 p.m., Spike-TV. A terrific idea concludes tonight. For weeks, a regular guy thought he was on a reality show. Instead he's been surrounded by improvisational actors. Tonight, he finally learns the truth.

"I'm With Her," 7:30 p.m., ABC. Robert Englund — Freddy in the "Nightmare on Elm Street" films — plays the director of a bad slasher film. Alex was in it before she became famous; now she hopes it won't be shown.

"Frasier," 8 p.m., NBC. Frasier overhears his dad's girlfriend making a date with someone else. Meanwhile, Niles and Daphne seek Seattle's best nursery artist.

"NYPD Blue," 9 p.m., ABC. Kim Delaney continues her guest stint in her old role as Diane Russell. Tonight, she and Andy search for a serial rapist.

"Rich Girls" debut, 10:30 p.m., MTV. The idea seemed fine: Cameras would follow the lives of two wealthy 18-year-olds, Ally Hilfiger (the daughter of designer Tommy Hilfiger) and Jamie Gleicher. The first hour, however, falls apart. Gleicher comes across as cold and unlikable. So do many of her friends, in a confusing prom-night episode that never explains what's happening.