Posted on: Tuesday, December 14, 2004

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"House," 8 p.m., Fox. This amazing show is quickly becoming one of TV's best. Its medical mysteries are spiced with dark humor and a great character. Dr. Gregory House is superbly played by Hugh Laurie. He is a cranky pill-popper who dislikes people in general and patients in particular.

"Karroll's Christmas," 6 p.m., A&E repeats at 8 p.m., 10 p.m. and midnight. A ghost who claims to be descended from all the Marleys, including Jacob and Bob, visits an amiable bumbler (Tom Everett Scott).

Of Note

"Scorsese on Scorsese," 5, 9 p.m., Turner Classic Movies. In this excellent documentary, Martin Scorsese comments on his roots and then on his work.

"Legend of Earthsea" opener (5 p.m.) and conclusion (7, 9, 11 p.m.), Sci Fi Channel. If you missed Monday's start, catch the whole thing in one swoop. It's a grand tale, complete with magic, evil, fresh-faced heroes (Shawn Ashmore, Kristen Kreuk) and the look of an epic.

"The Christmas Special Christmas Special," 6, 11 p.m., Bravo. This is a fun tour of old specials. It's a turf where glam-rocker David Bowie duets with Bing Crosby, where little Donny Osmond is a caroler at Andy Williams' door. It's a fun place to visit.

"I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown," 7 p.m., ABC. Here is the cartoon that first aired last year based on the late Charles Schulz's cartoons about Snoopy's wayward brother, Spike.

"NCIS," 7 p.m., CBS. Trying to track some of the stolen Iraqi antiquities, Tony goes undercover in a prison.

"According to Jim," 8 p.m., ABC. Jim's kids are not happy to see their dad in a fight with Santa — or, at least, with a guy in a Santa suit — after an accident.

"The George Lopez Show," 8:30 p.m., ABC. George has doubts about his own plan for each person to get only one Christmas gift.

"NYPD Blue," 9 p.m., ABC. Andy comes across some evidence Bale might want to keep secret.

"Judging Amy," 9 p.m., CBS. At home, Amy tries to nudge her mother toward healthier habits after her heart attack.