Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must See

"Tru Calling" debut, 7 p.m., Fox. Tru Davies (Eliza Dushku) is a medical intern who needs money. That leads to a night job at the morgue, and to two surprises. First, the dead can talk to her, and they're asking her to undo the past. Second, she can do it, going back 12 hours. That sounds silly, but the opener is well made. Dushku ,who played Faith in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," is excellent in the lead. She's part of the instant trend of young women in supernatural settings. The heroines of the shows "Tru Calling," CBS' terrific "Joan of Arcadia," Showtime's "Dead Like Me" (which has finished its first season) and Fox's upcoming "Wonderfalls," even look alike. They're part of an enjoyable TV trend.

Of note

"Friends," 7 p.m., NBC. This is the opening night of "sweeps," the four-week period when Nielsen takes ratings in every market. That means the networks try harder. Tonight, NBC expands its three main Thursday comedies. In "Friends," Christina Applegate returns to her role as Rachel's self-centered sister; she baby-sits (badly) for Emma. Meanwhile, Mike keeps trying to propose to Phoebe, and Joey composes a letter for Chandler and Monica, who may want to adopt.

"Survivor: Pearl Islands," 7 p.m., CBS. The field is trimmed to nine.

"Will & Grace," 7:43 p.m., NBC. Leo (Harry Connick Jr.) is trying to adjust to life in New York City. Will tries to enjoy his favorite activities, shopping and high tea, for instance ,but that doesn't help.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. A man is dead after a truly bad day: He was shot, was in an auto accident and is dressed in a raccoon suit.

"Skin," 8 p.m., Fox. Here's a rerun of the show's strong second episode. Ron Silver is particularly good as Larry Goldman, a pornographer and warm family man, now bitter because his daughter is in love with the son of the district attorney who is targeting him.

"Scrubs," 8:23 p.m., NBC. Elliott (Sarah Chalke) and Sean (Scott Foley) have secrets that could get in the way of their romance.

"ER," 9 p.m., NBC. Bob Newhart begins a three-episode role as an architect who is bitter about losing his eyesight. Meanwhile, Abby is returning to medical school and a new nurse arrives. She's played by Linda Cardellini, the terrific "Freaks and Geeks" co-star.

"Without a Trace," 9 p.m., CBS. Jack Malone (Anthony LaPaglia) is desperate to find a missing woman because the case is similar to one he failed to solve years earlier.