Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"Friends," 7 p.m., NBC. Even in its final episodes, "Friends" kept its sharp wit. This rerun is a prime example. Stunned that Rachel is taking a job in Paris, Ross scrambles to get her old boss to hire her back. Monica and Chandler visit the house next to their new home, finding a nasty surprise. Phoebe worries that Joey can't accept any more news of changes — so when his agent dies, she keeps it a secret.
"Wide Angle" season opener, 9 p.m., PBS. Quietly, this documentary shows men who are in Israeli prisons for suicide-bomb missions. One was a recruiter, one a bomb-builder; others changed their minds or had bombs that failed. Each, however, tells a similar story. They say they're martyrs for Islam and that God will welcome them when they die and give them 72 virgins. Some viewers will be shaken by the idea of a deity welcoming the killing of random men, women and children. In its own, understated way, this is a disturbing yet fascinating hour.
Of Note
"Without a Trace," 7 and 9 p.m., CBS. In the first rerun, an Army officer disappears after his retirement dinner. In the second, a bounty hunter is missing.
"Pepsi Smash," 7 p.m., WB. Performers include Los Lonely Boys, 311, Kanye West, and Gavin Degraw.
"Unforgiven" (1992) 5, 7:45 p.m., TNT. Clint Eastwood directed and starred in this well-crafted film, which drew Academy Awards for best picture, director and editing, and for supporting-actor Gene Hackman. Eastwood plays a former gunman, doing one more violent job. The supporting cast is terrific, including Hackman, Frances Fisher, Richard Harris and Morgan Freeman.
"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. When a big guy is beaten to death, investigators look at a small suspect.
"Kingdom Hospital," 8 p.m., ABC. The arrogant doctor (Bruce Davison) faces scary visions.
"Braveheart" (1995), 9 p.m., USA Network. Here's another Oscar winner, competing with Eastwood's film. Mel Gibson beautifully directed and starred in this epic tale of Scottish revolution, but the film runs too long for one night. You may need a VCR.
"ER," 9 p.m., NBC. This was the episode in which the show began to pile bigger mountains of despair onto Kerry Weaver. Her lover, a firefighter, has been in a serious accident.
