Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"Joan of Arcadia," 7 p.m., CBS. This first-year show thrived in the Emmy nominations. It was nominated for best drama series, topping such better-known shows as "ER," "The Practice," "Alias" and "Law & Order." Now is a perfect time to get into it: This is the pilot of the fresh and inventive "Joan." Amber Tamblyn (nominated for best actress) plays Joan Girardi, a teenager unhappy about starting over in a new town where her dad is the police chief. She sticks to herself — until God (in various human forms) starts talking to her. This is disconcerting to her — especially the first time, when God happens to be a cute guy. There's a great supporting cast here, including Joe Mantegna and Mary Steenburgen as Joan's parents and Jason Ritter (son of the late John Ritter) as her older brother.
The real strength, however, is in writer-producer Barbara Hall's skillful blend of drama, comedy and general warmth.
Of Note
"Hitler's Pawn," 5:30 p.m., HBO. Here is a second chance to see this documentary about Margaret Lambert, a Jew who was a star athlete during the 1936 Olympics when Hitler was in power.
"Life is Beautiful" (1998), 6 and 10 p.m., A&E. A bad idea was turned into a good movie through the brilliant work of actor-director Roberto Benigni. He plays a sweet-spirited man who refuses to let his son suffer — even when they're in a concentration camp. Benigni's Oscar-winning performance somehow makes this an enjoyable movie.
"The World Stands Up" debut, 6 p.m., Comedy Central. Drew Hastings, a wonderfully witty comedian, and Tom Rhodes perform in London.
"The George Lopez Show," 7 p.m., ABC. Laila Ali, a boxer who is the daughter of Muhammad Ali, has a brief role in this rerun in which George teaches his son to box.
"Stargate Atlantis," 7 p.m., Sci Fi Channel. In last week's solid opener, the gate led to the ancient world of Atlantis, which returned to the surface with fierce creatures lurking nearby. Tonight, McKay gets trapped in a force field.
"The Jury," 8 p.m., Fox. This new episode of the well-made series involves a complex case of vehicular homicide.
"Monk," 10 p.m., USA Network. Adrian Monk keeps ending up in places where he's not terribly comfortable. Tonight, he's in the mob.
