Posted on: Saturday, July 17, 2004

Tube Notes

Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Missing," 7 p.m., Lifetime. Last week's season opener proved that this show is brighter, slicker and more fun than it was last season. Tonight, we learn that it also can tell a good story. Things start when two attractive strangers — a college guy and a sleek businesswoman — meet in a bar. The next morning, he has left a bloody motel room and is fleeing in a stolen car. There is more — much more — under the surface. Nicole (Vivica A. Fox) and Jess (Caterina Scorsone) find quick detours. This duo works well as a blending of opposites. Fresh from the FBI academy, Jess has just learned all the rules. Nicole is a veteran who prefers to break them. Fortunately, this episode makes little use of Jess' psychic abilities. That's become the weakest point in a show that's otherwise sharp and entertaining.

Of Note

"I Love the '90s," 2 p.m., VH1. Here's a chance to catch the five-day series in one marathon. Just settle back and savor lots of clips and comments, some clever and some not.

"Ocean's Eleven" (2001), 6 p.m., TNT. A lighthearted heist film was given a burst of class, with Steven Soderbergh ("Traffic") skillfully directing a star-stuffed cast that includes George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Bernie Mac and many more.

"End of Days" (1999), 7 p.m., NBC. Remember when people were so worried about the arrival of the year 2000? This movie explains why. Satan (Gabriel Byrne) needs to impregnate a specific woman (Robin Tunney) before midnight in order to bring about the destruction of all mankind. Only one bitter cop (Arnold Schwarzenegger) can stop him. Byrne has one great little scene early. But other than that, this overwrought movie is bad enough to push even the biggest movie star into another line of work.

"The Miracle Worker" (2000), 7 p.m., ABC. Two gifted actresses spark this remake, based on the classic play. Hallie Kate Eisenberg is young Helen Keller, blind, deaf and headstrong; Alison Elliott is Annie Sullivan, who set aside her own troubled past to teach her.

"CSI: Miami," 9 p.m., CBS. When a plane crashes, cops investigate the people in a rich development that has its own airfield.

"Saturday Night Live," 10:30 p.m., NBC. The husband-wife duo of Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson hosts. Music is provided by G-Unit and 50 Cent.