Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"The Apprentice" premiere, 7:30 p.m., NBC. This show starts with 16 young business people, many of them tense. Each tries to impress Donald Trump, who will fire one person each week. The last person gets a one-year deal to head one of his divisions. Mark Burnett, also the "Survivor" producer, has an interesting mix of people, split into teams of eight men and eight women. Both sides make mistakes and corrections. Viewers may embrace their passion.

Of Note

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 7 and 8 p.m., CBS. First is a rerun, with the staff having only 24 hours to come up with fresh evidence. Then there's a new hour that has an unpopular juror being slain.

"Friends," 7 p.m., NBC. Desperate to adopt a baby, Chandler and Monica meet an Ohio mother. They sort of lie, letting her assume they are a doctor and a minister.

"The Chris Isaak Show" season-opener, 8 p.m., Showtime. This droll show has Isaak — a handsome singer-guitarist with an offbeat wit — playing himself. Tonight, he tries to get on the good side of the American Indians who live near his vacation home.

"The Simple Life," 8 and 8:30 p.m., Fox. In the first episode, the heiresses are given their boss' credit card, which could be a mistake. In the second, they break rules to spend more time flirting with local boys.

"Frontline: Forbidden Iran," 9 p.m., PBS. Risking her life, a Canadian reporter uses a hidden camera to watch Iranian government officials who reportedly torture and execute student protesters.

"ER," 9 p.m., NBC. Through most of the season, Carter (Noah Wyle) has been in Africa, separated from his Chicago colleagues. Now he returns with his pregnant girlfriend. As played by Thandie Newton she's a powerful force — a beautiful doctor and a passionate crusader.

"Without a Trace," 9 p.m., CBS. A photographer has disappeared.