Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Programming Note: Because of the scheduling of President Bush's live news conference during prime-time hours on the East Coast this evening, Fox has delayed airings of "American Idol" until 7 p.m. tomorrow and 7 p.m. Thursday. "24" will air at 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Tonight's Must-See
"Gilmore Girls," 7 p.m., WB. Hollywood sometimes thinks all young people are precisely the same. On spring break, they like to guzzle, ogle and scream. Now comes this delightful counterpoint. Rory and Paris make a snap decision to go to Florida. Rory's self-analytical approach is a delight as she tries to figure out if she's having fun. The usual great dialogue accompanies all of this, especially when Rory is talking with her mom before and (via phone) during the vacation. It's a fun hour.
Of Note
"Frasier," 8 p.m., NBC. Here is a rerun of the fairly good episode in which Frasier and ex-wife Lilith were accidentally set up on a date.
"One Tree Hill," 8 p.m., WB. This is a so-so episode, but it has some thunder-shock plot twists. Things start with a fund-raising auction in which bidders can rent a "boy toy" for five hours. Good actors are trapped in exaggerated situations; there are key plot twists, however, including one at the end.
"NYPD Blue," 9 p.m., ABC. Jessalyn Gilsig, who was so good in the first two seasons of "Boston Public," arrives as the new partner of Ortiz (Jacqueline Obradors), providing quick help on a case.
"The Shield," 10 p.m., FX. Julien's former police partner, Tommy, becomes a murder suspect when his estranged wife is killed. Now Vic has rounded up a vigilante team to prove the guy's innocence. But he quickly discovers a complex and disturbing story. It's a strong episode, complicated by something the police don't realize: Capt. David Aceveda was raped at gunpoint and has become emotionally paralyzed.
"INDEPENDENT LENS: EVERY CHILD IS BORN A POET," 10 p.m., PBS. Poet, author and teacher Piri Thomas is profiled in this hour-long documentary. Best remembered for his brilliant 1967 autobiographical novel "Down These Mean Streets," Thomas is followed as he counsels kids and leads writing workshops for troubled youth. The program also includes dramatizations of his life and writings.
