Posted on: Saturday, July 10, 2004

Tube Notes

Mike Hughes,
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Missing" season opener, 7 p.m., Lifetime. When this show debuted last year, it was called "1-800-MISSING" and was a bit too gloomy. Now some of that has been fixed.

The core of the show is still Jess Mastriani (well-played by Canadian newcomer Caterina Scorsone), a young woman whose visions help locate missing people. That's the weakest part of "Missing." Mysteries should be solved by clever thinking, not by sudden bolts to the subconscious. Now Jess has been whisked to FBI headquarters. She's working with a no-nonsense agent (Vivica A. Fox) who has a publicity-hungry boss (Justin Louis). The first case is a search for a kidnapped teen.

"On the Waterfront" (1954), 2 p.m., Turner Classic Movies. One of the most brilliantly acted films in history is rerun, in a tribute to the late Marlon Brando.

TCM also has "The Wild One" (1953) at 4 p.m., "Superman" (1978) at 5:30 p.m., "The Teahouse of the August Moon" (1956) at 8 p.m. and "Julius Caesar" (1953) at 10:15 p.m. However, the highlight is "On the Waterfront," with Brando battling union corruption. The combined work of Brando, Rod Steiger, Karl Malden and Eva Marie Saint may never be equaled.

Of Note

"Speaking of Women's Health: The Get Healthy Challenge," 8 a.m., Lifetime. This special starts with four women who once had healthy lifestyles. One had been a soldier, exercising daily. Now modern life has taken hold. All are overweight, two have diabetes, one has soaring cholesterol, one continues to smoke after a heart attack. This hour takes them through the testing, diagnosis and attempts to transform their lives.

"Skunked TV," 2:30 p.m., NBC. Imagine that someone asks you to hold his fishing pole, which dangles its line into an aquarium. Or imagine that you're selected to adopt a zoo pet. The catch is that it's a rhinoceros and you have to take it home. That's the sort of hidden-camera trick involving animals that this kid-oriented series does.

"Princess of Thieves" (2001), 7 p.m., ABC. Keira Knightley was a 16-year-old near-unknown when she starred in this TV movie, playing Robin Hood's daughter. Then the rush began, with a supporting role in "Bend It Like Beckham" and starring ones in "Pirates of the Caribbean," the "Doctor Zhivago" miniseries, "King Arthur" and the upcoming "Pride and Prejudice." With that in mind, here's a new chance to see early Keira.

"The Amazing Race," 7 p.m., CBS. Here is a quick rerun of Tuesday's terrific season opener.

Olympic trials, 7 p.m., NBC. These are highlights from trials for the U.S. track-and-field team.

"Crime & Punishment," 8 p.m., NBC. One case involves getting homeless people to fight each other for money. Another involves indecent exposure.

"Las Vegas," 9 p.m., NBC. June Lockhart already has been Timmy's mom on "Lassie" and Will's mom on "Lost in Space." Now she's the mom of tough Ed (James Caan), regaling everyone with childhood tales. Also, Sean Astin plays a townie who wins a fortune, with suspicious events following.

"Saturday Night Live," 10:30 p.m., NBC. This is a second round of "Best of Will Ferrell" bits.