Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Must-See

"MI-5," 6 p.m., A&E. Last week's episode ended with a fierce jolt. A security system at Tom Quinn's house went bad. He watched helplessly as his lover and her daughter were inside the home with a bomb ticking. British viewers had to wait for a new season to see what happened. Americans can learn tonight. We won't spoil any surprises, but will say this is a powerful hour. "MI-5" is evolving into a superb show, taut and tough, yet intelligent and deeply human. It has all the qualities of "24" (which will be back Oct. 28), plus extra depth.

Of Note

"The Joe Schmo Show" debut, 6 & 8 p.m., Spike TV. One of the best concepts in years gets off to a fairly enjoyable start. Matt Gould, a law-school dropout from Pittsburgh, thinks he's on a reality show. He doesn't realize that all the other people on the show are really actors, exaggerating the reality clichés. There are some surprises along the way — actors make minor mistakes, and Gould recognizes that the central person in the "hands on a high-priced hooker" game is adult-film star Tawny Roberts.

"Playmakers," 6 p.m., ESPN. Last week's terrific debut is matched by this strong episode. Random drug tests worry the star running back (Omar Gooding), a cocaine addict, and the veteran he replaced (Russell Hornsby), a one-time drug user.

"8 Simple Rules," 7 p.m., ABC. Paul thinks he has trouble with two daughters. In this rerun, he meets his match in his new boss.

"The O.C.," 8 p.m., Fox. Ryan, who grew up in a tough neighborhood, has sometimes managed to avoid trouble in this ritzy Orange County setting. Now his old buddy arrives and brings new trouble and a gun.

"P.O.V.," 10 p.m., PBS. Two terrific documentaries share this hour. "Soldados: Chicanos in Viet Nam" has Charley Trujillo and his friends describe the culture shock of being teen soldiers in the jungle. "The Sixth Section" shows men in Newburgh, N.Y., who keep sending support to their Mexican hometown.