Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"The Apprentice" (7 p.m.) and "Dateline" (8 p.m.), both NBC. NBC will be terribly disappointed if no one watches tomorrow's finale. With that in mind, it has a sort of two-hour preview. First is the regular Wednesday rerun of the previous week's episode. We'll see Donald Trump winnow the field from four people to the two who compete in a partly live episode tomorrow. To follow is a "Dateline" hour, taking a behind-the-cameras look at the show. NBC could be accused of using its news show as a promotional device, but other news outlets have found "Apprentice" worth covering.

"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox. Last week's results brought no surprise when Camile Velasco — who had been overwhelmed by a difficult song — was voted out. The only surprise was that Jasmine Trias (great voice, radiant personality) finished second from the bottom with Diana DeGarmo (good singer, off week) next. That trims the field to five women and three men, heading into tonight with music from films on tap.

Of Local Note

"Iz: The Man Behind The Music," 9 p.m., KGMB. The first comprehensive documentary on the brief but brilliant life of Hawaiian music legend Israel Kamakawiwo-'ole, this television biography is made up of reminiscences shared by friends and family. Musical performances from Iz — many never seen before — are interspersed throughout, along with a look at how his music has attracted worldwide attention.

"Backstage at the Merrie Monarch," 7 p.m., KITV. Before competition begins in Hilo tomorrow evening, a look at the behind-the--scenes activities that keep the hula festival running smoothly.

Of Note

"Looking for Fidel," 5 p.m., HBO. In 2002, Oliver Stone made a friendly documentary about Fidel Castro. For this follow-up, he returned and included the opposition. This film has Castro, plus dissidents, imprisoned journalists and the men convicted of hijacking a plane to escape Cuba.