Posted on: Thursday, December 9, 2004

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Survivor," 7 p.m., CBS; and "The Apprentice," 8 p.m., NBC. This is a big night for reality fans. Both shows, produced by reality master Mark Burnett, are leading into their finales. "Survivor" trims the field to four people. They'll have a two-hour finale at 7 p.m. Sunday, followed immediately by a reunion.

"Apprentice" already has its final four. Tonight, some top CEOs will interview them. Then the field will be trimmed to two and the task will be handed out for next week's finale.

Of Note

"Little Drummer Boy" and "Little Drummer Boy II," 7 and 7:30 p.m., ABC Family. Actually, there wasn't enough material for the first of these two animated shows.

"The O.C.," 7 p.m., Fox. It's time for the winter ball, putting more characters in conflict. Also, Sandy learns why his father-in-law has been so bitter lately.

"Joey," 7 p.m., NBC. California life continues to be tough on Joey. He finally has a role in a series — the schlocky-sounding "Deep Powder" — and fears that his character will be killed in the first episode. He also tries to recreate an East Coast Christmas — which isn't easy when it's so sunny and pleasant.

"Comfort and Joy" (2003), 7 p.m., Lifetime. On Sunday, NBC had "The Family Man," with Nicolas Cage as a hard-driving businessman transported into an alternate existence, as a middle-class family guy. Now we see an identical plot with Nancy McKeon. The budget is smaller, the genders have switched, but it's the same tale. Fortunately, both films are well-made and interesting.

"Will & Grace," 7:30 p.m., NBC. At a party put on by his mother (Blythe Danner), Will breaks a fancy figurine; now he wants to avoid blame. Meanwhile, Karen's stepdaughter (Hallee Hirsh) is back; she and her friends are upset by Karen's cynical comments.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. As Sara (Jorja Fox) investigates a child's starvation death, we learn more about her background.

"North Shore," 8 p.m., Fox. Nicole falls deeper for a celebrity chef (Dominic Purcell). Meanwhile, Frankie isn't so sure about Jason.

"ER," 9 p.m., NBC. On Christmas Eve, there are new complications. Chen desperately needs someone to cover her shift. Abby needs to contact a doctor who doesn't want to be bothered. Meanwhile, Carter nudges closer to a first kiss with his new love interest, played by Madchen Amick.

"Without a Trace," 9 p.m., CBS. Jack faces draining testimony in his custody case. Meanwhile, his dad (Martin Landau) attends the office party.