Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Becker" finale, 8:30 p.m. CBS. Officially, this show is taking a break. Unofficially, the cast and crew have had a farewell party. "It's like that now," says Ted Danson, who stars. "You're never canceled; you're just not invited back." Still, the show has had a solid six-season run, offering intelligent comedy based on the dark views of the fictional Dr. John Becker. "The ending is very Becker-ish," Danson promises. "He's having a bad day."

"Traffic" conclusion, 9 p.m., USA Network. As yesterday's installment ended, a federal agent (Elias Koteas) was captured by American soldiers with $20 million in heroin. They say he's a drug smuggler; he says he's trying to stop a terrorist smallpox plot. We don't know, and neither does his wife (Mary McCormack) or his teen son — who has his own crisis involving a troubled girl. There's much more here in this powerful finish.

Of Local Note

"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox. On the last night of auditions before we meet all of the semifinalists, Hawai'i fans finally get to see the good, the bad, and the just plain awful from the lot of wannabe Kelly Clarksons and Ruben Studdards our state produced. Taped last September and October during mass auditions at Aloha Stadium and individual sessions with Randy, Paula and Simon at the Sheraton Waikiki.

Of Note

"My Wife and Kids," 7 p.m., ABC. David Alan Grier guest-stars in this rerun, which stars his former "In Living Color" colleague, Damon Wayans. Grier plays a golfing buddy who suggests a hair-growth pill.

"Live From Lincoln Center" (8 p.m.) and "Great Performances: Dance in America: Acts of Ardor" (10 p.m.), PBS. Here's a rarity — a three-hour swath of classical entertainment. First, the New York Philharmonic performs Brahms' 2nd Symphony and backs Thomas Quasthoff on four Mozart arias. Then two modern dance pieces are performed.