Posted on: Monday, December 27, 2004

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Everybody Loves Raymond," 8 p.m., CBS. In its final season, this superb series has been willing to take an occasional dark turn. This rerun offers a terrific example. Ray has always grumbled about his wife's being late. He's threatened to simply le ave her behind. Friends sympathize with him — until he goes too far. The result is a funny episode with dead-serious moments. It's the kind of thing "Raymond" does so well.

"Crossing Jordan," 8 p.m., and "Las Vegas," 9 p.m., both NBC. If you missed this two-night crossover, you can now catch it in one sitting. That starts with a Boston-to-Las Vegas plane trip. When it lands, a man with $3 million is dead; Danny and Sam (Josh Duhamel and Vanessa Marcil) are logical suspects. Soon, the "Crossing Jordan" people are in Vegas to investigate. It's a classic culture shock — the sun and glitter of Las Vegas, intruding on the gloomy skepticism of Eastern officials. The result brings some humor and a solid story.

Of Note

"Party Planner" debut, noon, Discovery Channel. David Tutera bills himself as "party planner to the stars." In this series he offers tips ranging from food to a "personality scavenger hunt," designed for singles who don't know each other.

Football, 12:30 p.m., ESPN. The Motor City Bowl has Connecticut and Toledo. Connecticut has been important in basketball; Toledo has been important in Spain.

"Arthur," 3:30 p.m., PBS. With kids home on holiday break, there will be new episodes all week. That starts today as the gang designs a new tree house with the help of prominent architect Frank Gehry. In another tale, the school chorus has a chance to sing in a grand hall.

"Airline," 6 and 6:30 p.m., 10 and 10:30 p.m., A&E. The series has moved to an earlier slot. In an odd juxtaposition of reality shows, there's a buzz because someone spotted William Hung, who is famous for his awful "American Idol" audition.

"House," 7 and 8 p.m., Fox. This has become one of the year's best shows, sparked by Hugh Laurie's perfect performance as a cranky but brilliant doctor. Now viewers can catch up with three reruns in the next two days. Tonight's first one involves a teen who has night terrors; the second has two babies turning sick with Dr. House predicting a hospital-wide epidemic.