Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Two and a Half Men" debut, 8:30 p.m., CBS. Charlie is a prosperous bachelor with a gorgeous Malibu house and a busy sex life — played logically enough by Charlie Sheen. Suddenly, his brother (Jon Cryer) arrives with his son (Angus T. Jones) and a tale of a crumbled marriage. What follows is a standard comedy of opposites. Think of it as "The Odd Couple" plus a kid. This is an ordinary show with one important exception: It's well done; it has a crackling-good script and perfect casting.

Of Note

"Curse of the Bambino," 5 p.m., HBO. Here's a second chance to catch this wonderful documentary. Boston Red Sox fans — including Denis Leary and narrator Ben Affleck — discuss the generations of woe that their team has had since it sold Babe Ruth.

"Fear Factor," 7 p.m., NBC. Always desperate for attention, this show opens its season with a two-hour special and a million-dollar prize.

"7th Heaven," 7 p.m., WB. In the second half of the season-opener, the family finally learns who's pregnant. Meanwhile, Chandler, the young preacher, finds trouble in his own romance.

"Still Standing," 7:30 p.m., CBS. The season opens with parents insisting their teen daughter take a tougher math class. From there, ill feelings grow.

"Everybody Loves Raymond," 8 p.m., CBS. One of TV's best series opens its season. Debra has a new way of spending more time with Ray: She'll golf with him.

"CSI: Miami," 9 p.m., CBS. The season opens with the case of a model who was killed by a hit-and-run driver.

"Las Vegas" debut, 9 p.m., NBC. You can expect lots of pretty faces, taut bodies and flashing lights here. What you won't get is anyone to really care about. Danny McCoy (Josh Duhamel) is an ex-Marine who returned to his hometown to work in casino security. He beds a beauty (Molly Sims) who, it turns out, is the daughter of his hard-edged boss (James Caan). There are lots of pretty people, but few of them are interesting.