Posted on: Monday, July 26, 2004
Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
The Democratic National Convention, 8 p.m. on PBS (tape delayed); previews and coverage throughout the day on C-SPAN, CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News Channel. Also 4 p.m., ABC, CBS and NBC. During two crucial weeks, viewers can watch people discuss the fate of the nation and the world. It's the Democratic National Convention this week (through Thursday) in Boston, then the Republican convention Aug. 30 to Sept. 2 in New York.
PBS is taking things seriously. It has Jim Lehrer anchoring gavel-to-gavel coverage of the convention. Reporting will be Gwen Ifill, Ray Suarez, Margaret Warner and Terry Smith. Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks will provide commentary with perspective from presidential historians Michael Beschloss and Richard Norton Smith. Other broadcast networks aren't taking things nearly as seriously. They'll only catch one hour today, Wednesday and Thursdays and will skip it entirely on Tuesday. With that in mind, the Democrats will pack tonight's hour with former presidents (Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter), a former vice president (Al Gore) and former first lady Sen. Hillary Clinton, who may run for the presidency later. "The Grid," 6 p.m., TNT. Last week's premiere ended with chilling news for FBI Special Agent Max Canary (Dylan McDermott). He survived what seemed like a random sniper bullet. After the gunman fled, however, he left behind Max's picture. Clearly, this attack was aimed at him. Now, as officers protect his family, Canary continues to track terrorists as part of a team that includes his boss (Julianna Margulies) and a British spy chief (Jemma Redgrave). Simultaneously, this miniseries eyes terrorist plots that could be aimed at either the United States or England. There will be another one-hour episode next Monday, followed by the two-hour finale Aug. 9. Of Note
"My Wife and Kids," 7 p.m., ABC. Clarence Clemons, the great saxophonist from Bruce Springsteen's band, guest stars. Michael (Damon Wayans) suddenly claims he's a pianist.
"Fear Factor," 7 p.m., NBC. Leading into the Miss USA pageant, you may recall, this show had strange stunts performed by pageant contestants in swimsuits. Somehow, it resists the temptation to do the same tonight with Democrats.
"Everybody Loves Raymond," 8 p.m., CBS. This terrific show runs an hour earlier than usual to make room for the convention coverage in some time zones. Tonight, Ray can't get his son to go to school. After several days he decides to take the kid to work. "For Love or Money," 8 p.m., NBC. There are only five guys left now and all are assigned to paint a picture of Rachel. Then one of them is ousted. "Two and a Half Men," 8:30 p.m., CBS. Alan and Charlie have varying encounters with soccer moms. "Faith and Hope," 8:30 p.m., ABC. Faith may finally have attracted the perfect guy. He's a doctor, an idealist and he's played by Kevin Sorbo of "Hercules" fame.
