Posted on: Friday, December 17, 2004
Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"Popeye's Voyage: The Quest for Pappy," 7:30 p.m., Fox. Some surprising talent has linked for this computer-animated tale, with Popeye trying to save the father who abandoned him. Paul Reiser ("Mad About You") produced and co-wrote the special. Mark Mothersbaugh, the former Devo genius, did the music. Kathy Bates voices the Sea Hag. Others are from cartoon-voice pros, including Billy West, who has voiced Stimpy and Elmer Fudd, as Popeye. "True Dads," 7 p.m., Spike TV. This documentary has good intentions, triteness and moving moments. Overlook the bad parts and savor some rich portraits. At one economic extreme is Joseph Jones. Once a heroin addict and deadbeat dad, he now helps other fathers in Baltimore. At the other is Dr. Jonathan Clark. He was self-centered and paid only surface attention to his son, he grants. When his wife (Laurel Clark) died in the 2003 Columbia space shuttle tragedy, he began to learn and savor the details of being a father. "Mixed Plate," 7 p.m., ABC. Pamela Young eats her way through China, Italy, Korea and San Francisco. Got Tums? "The Simpsons," 7 p.m., Fox. Marge is bitter that she didn't get Homer's first kiss. That brings a flashback. "Complete Savages," 7:30 p.m., ABC. Here's a warm sentiment: Three of the brothers work at a lingerie store, to buy Christmas gifts for their girlfriends. "Jingle Ball Rock," 8 p.m., Fox. This holiday concert aims young. Ryan Seacrest introduces Avril Lavigne, Ashlee Simpson, Maroon 5 and Christina Milian. Also, 13-year-old JoJo visits her second show in three days. "Secret Santa" (2003), 7 p.m., NBC. A skeptical young reporter (Jennie Garth) is determined to learn who has secretly been helping small-town people each Christmas. The contrived story has an idiotic vision of newspaper work; still, Garth's likability keeps us watching.
Of Local Note
Of Note
