Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"Stargate: SG-1" season opener, 6 and 8 p.m., Sci Fi Channel. Life is tough when you're surrounded by schemers and the only blithe soul is frozen in Antarctica. That's how things start tonight. All the ancient knowledge is wedged into the head of Jack O'Neill, who can't be safely thawed out. The only hope is for Major Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping) and Teal'c (Christopher Judge) to head into space. There, a wise Asgard alien might help — unless an evil Goa'uld gets there first. If that sounds thick and complex — well, it really is. "Stargate" has had a movie and seven cable seasons (on Showtime and Sci Fi) to pile up the lore. So don't worry about the details. Simply settle back and enjoy this transitional episode. Some scenes show a common fantasy flaw: The heroes and villains have such all-powerful gadgets and skills that nothing is involving. There are some fine moments, though, including mind-bending scenes for Tapping. That helps set up the final scene giving "Stargate" its next problem.
Of Note
"Just a Clown," 4:30 p.m., HBO. This short documentary follows David Friedman's work as a birthday-party clown in New York. It's of interest because Andrew Jarecki was filming it when the clown's family became immersed in controversy; Jarecki soon made the award-winning documentary, "Capturing the Friedmans."
"Three Kings" (1999), 5 and 7:30 p.m., TNT. Thickly layered and complex, this drama-comedy-adventure doesn't neatly fit any category. As the Persian Gulf War ends, three American soldiers (George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg and Ice Cube) scheme to get billions in gold stolen from Kuwait. Ethical tangles follow.
Swimming, 7 p.m., NBC. Here are highlights from tryouts for the U.S. Olympic swimming team. Also, the USA Network — now owned by NBC — has coverage of the Olympic track trials in California at 11 p.m.
"Hope & Faith," 8 p.m., ABC. Hope's brother-in-law is getting married, and her mom doesn't want Hope messing up the wedding plans.
"Life With Bonnie," 8:30 p.m., ABC. Bonnie is upset because her husband's therapist is a beauty.
"Monk," 10 p.m., USA Network. Monk, the cautious widower, agrees to go on a date.
