Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"Saturday Night Live," 10:30 p.m., NBC. Janet Jackson — the singer who reminded us that "live TV" really is live — shows up. She doubles as the host and the musical guest. Also putting in an appearance will be "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell, the network announced Tuesday. Both may provide the show with a ratings surge. We're not expecting Jackson to repeat her breast-baring stunt from the Super Bowl. That's been done. What we hope is that the show will have a chance to poke fun at the whole situation — the foolishness of Jackson's deed and of the epic reactions that followed. This could be fun.
"Nashville Star," 10 p.m., USA Network. While "American Idol" is stuffed with female contenders this show is the exact opposite. Last week, viewers ousted two women, Sheila Marshall and Marty Slayton; only Jennifer Hicks remains. She faces five top talents. Lance Miller and Brad Cotter are impressive singer-songwriters. Brent Keith has a killer smile and Matt Lindahl has quirky charm. Then there's George Canyon with a heroic look and sound. Tonight, they try Southern rock. Lynyrd Skynyrd guest stars.
Of Note
"The Whole Nine Yards" (2000), 7 p.m., NBC. The sequel ("The Whole Ten Yards") has just reached theaters so here's a chance to see the original. Matthew Perry plays a dentist who realizes his neighbor (Bruce Willis) is a hit man. Perry gets the unwise idea of using that to his advantage; comedy ensues.
"Men in Black" (1997), 7 p.m., NBC. Here's another chance to see this wonderful little comedy. Will Smith plays an ordinary chap who joins a gung-ho federal agent (Tommy Lee Jones) in trying to contain extraterrestrial aliens. There are lots of sight gags here, alongside a spare-but-clever script.
"The Road to El Dorado" (2000), 7 p.m., ABC. This cartoon has two con men (voiced by Kevin Kline and Kenneth Branagh) heading through 16th-century America in search of legendary gold.
"El Dorado" (1967), 7 p.m., AMC. No, this isn't the El Dorado that the con men are seeking. It's an entertaining cowboy story with Howard Hawks directing John Wayne. James Caan is particularly good as a young gambler who uses a knife not a gun.
"Law & Order," 9 p.m., NBC. Rerun, a motivational speaker is thrown from a penthouse balcony.
"The District," 9 p.m., CBS. A Civil War re-enactor is slain. Rerun.
