Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"American Idol" return, 7 p.m., Fox. This show continues to stand out for its appealing mixture of optimism, cynicism, ambition and — at times — powerhouse talent. The new edition starts with specials through Wednesday. Each offers highlights and lowlights from auditions. Before the judges arrive there have been previous rounds. Some people are being advanced simply so they can look bad on national TV. Still, that's part of the formula. "American Idol" has given us Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard and waves of youthful idealism. It's good to have it back.

"American Experience: King," 9 p.m., PBS. In the years between his "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963 and his death in 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. broadened his mission. There were some successes. Civil rights laws were passed and he spoke out against poverty, ghettos and the Vietnam War. This documentary traces those five years, filled with rich details from the people involved.

Of Note

"Bands Reunited" premiere, 9 a.m., 8 p.m., 10 p.m., VH1. This show tackles a tough challenge as it tries to convince members of a former rock group to reunite for one concert. That starts with Berlin — which hit No. 1 in 1986 with "Take My Breath Away." Terri Nunn, the singer, hadn't spoken with guitarist-songwriter John Crawford in years. Dave Diamond had been flying planes, not playing keyboards.

"Wire in the Blood" debut, 4, 7, 10 p.m., BBC America. Here's British drama at its best. A terrific actor ("Touching Evil" star Robson Green) stars in a film that's tough and taut with deep layers. He plays a criminal profiler entwined in other problems as he tracks a kidnapper-murderer.

"Average joe Hawai'i," 9 p.m., NBC. Just as the average guys start to make some progress, the show throws in eight hard-bodied hunks for competition.