Posted on: Wednesday, September 24, 2003
Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"The West Wing" 8 p.m., NBC. Fans groaned when series creator Aaron Sorkin was dumped and John Wells took control. Sorkin is brilliant; Wells' recent "ER" years have been bland at best. Tonight, however, those fears fade. This season-opener is brilliantly written and acted. As last season ended, the president's daughter had been kidnapped — possibly in retaliation for an assassination he ordered. Now he has temporarily stepped down from the presidency. That puts the White House in the control of a congressman (played by John Goodman) whose blunt manner conceals a sharp mind. The resignation scheme seems far-fetched but the story is beautifully handled. Don't expect anything to be wrapped up this week and don't expect the humor Sorkin sometimes mastered. Instead, settle into an intense story of people under pressure. Of Local Note
"Hawaii's Ice Epidemic" 7 p.m., KHON, KITV, KGMB, KHET, KHNL, KFVE, KBFD. A study of Hawai'i's crystal methamphetamine problem, this documentary explores the world of ice addicts, how the drug has seeped into our communities, and meth's connection to crime. Of Note
"Ed" 7 p.m., NBC. Last season ended with Ed and Carol finally realizing they belong together. Tonight, they plan to become lovers and naturally there are complications. "Big Brother 4" (CBS) and "The Bachelor" (ABC), both 8 p.m. Reality shows collide. CBS decided to extend its show a week so it would end now. Meanwhile, "Bachelor" launches its new round with a two-hour opener and a familiar face. Choosing from 25 women this season will be Bob Guiney. He was one of the rejects during "The Bachelorette," but viewers liked his upbeat manner and his quick wit. He's had frequent "Oprah" appearances and now gets the spotlight. "Hilary Duff's Island Birthday Bash" 8:30 p.m., WB. Duff, the delightful actress who starred in the Disney Channel's "Lizzie McGuire," celebrates her 16th birthday by singing at a Kaua'i party. Simple Plan also performs. "Law & Order" 9 p.m., NBC. The season opener has a serial killer's lawyer insisting that attorney-client privilege keeps him from telling where bodies are buried.
"The Brotherhood of Poland, N.H." debut, 9 p.m., CBS. When he's not writing brash law shows ("The Practice," "Ally McBeal"), David E. Kelley is a master of small human drama. This show, like his "Picket Fences," settles into a small town. We meet three beefy brothers — the mayor (John Carroll Lynch), the police chief (Randy Quaid) and an unemployed guy (Chris Penn); We also meet their wives (Elizabeth McGovern, Mare Winningham and Ann Cusack, respectively). This is a well-written, well-cast show that could grow on us.
