Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Services

Tonight's Must-See

"Joan of Arcadia" debut, 7 p.m., CBS. Joan Girardi (Amber Tamblyn) is a quiet teen who has moved to Arcadia, where her dad is the new police chief. Her life is already in flux, but it's adding a new complication: God — taking different human forms — starts giving her messages. That may sound silly but "Joan of Arcadia" is beautifully executed. Barbara Hall ("Judging Amy") has written a script that has wit and humanity.

Of Note

"Miss Match" debut, 7 p.m., NBC. Kate Fox (Alicia Silverstone) is a divorce lawyer working for her unprincipled dad (Ryan O'Neal). Alas, she'd rather fix folks up and develops a reputation as a matchmaker. In this opener, the stories and matches are only moderately interesting. However, there's potential for the show to grow.

"The George Lopez Show," 7 p.m., ABC. In real life, Lopez visited Washington, D.C., and stole a copy of a speech the president had delivered. That idea is borrowed in this season opener, with the president visiting George's factory.

"JAG," 8 p.m., CBS. After prospering for years on Tuesdays, this show now faces tougher duty on Fridays. In the season opener, Harm is searching for Mac in Paraguay.

"Hope & Faith" debut, 8 p.m., ABC. Overwrought and overplayed this comedy is still fairly enjoyable. One sister (Faith Ford) runs an efficient home; the other (Kelly Ripa) is a self-centered soap star who has just lost her job. Now Ripa has moved in, bringing commotion, jealousy and a food fight.

"Life With Bonnie," 8:30 p.m., ABC. The season-opener seems to be two episodes in one. The scripted part — simmering trouble between Bonnie and her show's producer (David Alan Grier) — is sometimes hilarious. The improvised talk-show parts seem like a brief break from the fun.

"The Handler" debut, 9 p.m., CBS. Joe Pantoliano, who played Ralphie on "The Sopranos," is a brilliant character actor. Now he stars as an FBI supervisor working with undercover agents.