Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"Crime & Punishment" season opener, 9 p.m., NBC. The second season begins for this reality show as it follows the San Diego County district attorney's office. That starts with a deeply depressing case. Two friends were drag-racing on a city street when a car turned left in front of them. The car was struck at a reported 87 mph. The racer, strapped into a double harness, was barely harmed. However, in the other car, two teenagers were killed and a third person was left in a coma. It was a tragedy caused by the racers' stupidity, everyone agreed. But could it bring a murder conviction? That is debated in a complex and involving story.
"Jane Goodall's State of the Great Ape," 2, 4 and 6 p.m., Animal Planet. This special makes up in scope for its shortfall in craftsmanship. It visits Asia, home of the orangutan, and Africa, home of the chimpanzee and gorilla. It views forces ranging from poaching to the destruction of habitat. Much of this lacks sharp storytelling. Still, "Ape" tells tales of global importance.
Of Note
"King Solomon's Mines," 2 and 6 p.m., Hallmark Channel. This is the fourth time that the 1885 novel has been filmed. In this new version, Patrick Swayze plays the adventurer in Africa. Alison Doody ("Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade") plays the daughter of a kidnapped professor who has a map to legendary treasures.
"Two and a Half Men," 7 p.m., CBS. In a funny episode, young Jake keeps feeding the seagulls. Soon, Charlie's bachelor pad is full of them.
"Lucy Must Be Traded, Charlie Brown," 7 p.m., ABC. This modestly entertaining cartoon has Charlie Brown considering trades in order to dissolve his baseball team's losing streak.
"Field of Dreams" (1989), 7:30 p.m., ABC. In clever scheduling, this wonderful baseball fantasy is plunked right after Charlie Brown's baseball cartoon. Kevin Costner stars.
"Mission Impossible 2" (2000), 7:30 p.m., CBS. John Woo directed this film beautifully and Thandie Newton provided an ideal action colleague for Tom Cruise. The story itself, however, is so-so.
"Law & Order," 8 p.m., NBC. A controversial reporter has been killed after revealing the location of the soldiers he was covering.
"Saturday Night Live," 10:30 p.m., NBC. Lindsay Lohan hosts and Usher sings.
