Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-Sees

"Whoopi," 7 p.m., NBC. While others turn cautious, Whoopi Goldberg booms ahead in her new sitcom. Even terrorism paranoia is a target for humor. In last week's opener, most people were afraid of Nasim (Omid Djalili), the hotel's Iranian handyman; now he's the one who frets, fearing that an abandoned briefcase might conceal a bomb.

"The Curse of the Bambino," 7 p.m., HBO. In 1920, the Boston Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees. The Red Sox gained $400,000 — a stunning total back then — and dumped a guy who seemed to deteriorate as he patronized the prostitutes near the ballpark. But in his first year with the Yankees, Ruth hit more home runs than any other team in the league. Narrator Ben Affleck and other Red Sox zealots tell that story in rich detail. Some legends are deflated, some supported. Also, the story of the 1986 World Series assumes epic proportions.

Of Note

"Mavericks, Miracles & Medicine," 5 p.m., History Channel. Noah Wyle hosts a richly researched look at people who have resisted standard medical theories. That starts tonight with an episode on the working of the heart.

"The Joe Schmo Show," 6 p.m., Spike TV. Here's the third episode of this clever show in which one guy (Matt Gould) thinks he's on a reality show — but is really surrounded by improvisational actors. A "talent show" (with Jerri Manthey of "Survivor" as a judge) is funny; Gould's reaction to the latest ouster vote, however, is a surprise.

"Happy Family," 7:30 p.m., NBC. This week's episode, like last week's opener, has some big laughs. The older son is at dinner with his fiancé and his mistress.

"P.O.V.: State of Denial," 10 p.m., PBS. While millions in his nation faced death from AIDS, South African President Thabo Mbeki refused to even accept the notion that it's caused by a virus. That story is told in this disturbing documentary.