Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"American Experience: The Center of the World," 9 p.m. to midnight, PBS. In his brilliant series "New York: A Documentary Film," Ric Burns made one thing clear: New York City was created for commerce. Later, it became a place for art, culture and idealism. It was trade, however that motivated the Dutch to settle in what would become New York City. That made the World Trade Center its ideal symbol. Now Burns views the center's history, as a postscript to his series.
Like many things in New York, the World Trade Center was launched by a few steel-willed people who refused to relent. Critics groaned: A warm neighborhood had been replaced by cold towers, they said. Gradually, however, the project accomplished its goal, fueling the economy. After the towers crumbled, many people said they had loved them. This superb documentary catches the history and passion.
Of Note
Football, 6:30 p.m., ABC. The Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit the Philadelphia Eagles in a rematch of last season's NFC championship game.
"For Love or Money 2" finale, 8 p.m., NBC. Tonight, Erin Brodie chooses between two guys, identified as Chad and Wade. Both are 29, cute and in sales; this might not be a gripping finale. Whomever she chooses can then take $1 million instead of her. The guys don't realize that if they choose love, she'll get $2 million. Some day, we'll find it remarkable that this is how we spent the summer of 2003.
"Sex and the Single Mom," 6 and 8 p.m., Lifetime. This drama juggles the sexual awakening of a teen (Danielle Panabaker) and the reawakening of her mom (Gail O'Grady). Neither, however, builds much empathy from viewers.
"Resident Life" debut, 9 p.m., TLC. This documentary series views young doctors in their residencies at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville. Some patients might fret when they learn that an emerging brain surgeon is a self-described redneck who goes mud-bogging on weekends — or that heart patients are being treated by a sleep-deprived doctor whose real specialty is obstetrics.
