Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Monk" season opener, 10 p.m., USA Network. In its first two seasons, this show has skillfully blended comedy with mystery-solving. Now comes an episode that starts with laughs, then has strong, no-nonsense emotion. Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub) was a brilliant but obsessive-compulsive San Francisco cop who crumbled after his wife was murdered. Sharona Fleming (Bitty Schram) helped nurse him and now helps out with crime solving. Tonight, Monk follows a lead in his wife's murder to the Big Apple. But first he must help the New York cops solve another case. The humor comes early, with Monk surrounded by New York City's untidiness. One of the cops traveling with him also becomes an easy mark for sidewalk crooks. Then "Monk" settles into its mystery and into the confrontation with the man who built the bomb that killed his wife. It's a strong start to a promising season.

Of Note

"What Should You Do?" season opener, 7 p.m., Lifetime. This series, hosted by Leeza Gibbons, meets people who have been in real-life peril. It also asks experts the best steps to take in case of emergency.

"Joan of Arcadia," 7 p.m., CBS. Joan wants to strike back at some cruel classmates. God's alternate idea is for her to be a percussionist in the school band.

"JAG," 8 p.m., CBS. Mac helps the admiral investigate diamond smugglers.

"Hope & Faith," 8 p.m., ABC. Here is a rerun of a broadly funny episode. At their aunt's funeral, the sisters try to get back a ring they feel wasn't hers.

"Las Vegas," 9 p.m., NBC. This rerun is stuffed with guest stars. Jon Lovitz plays a guest who wants to commit suicide. Paul Anka finds himself harassed by a security guard and Paris Hilton gets in the way of Sam's romance.

Of Local Note

"Miss Hawaii Pageant," 7:30 p.m., KFVE. Reigning Miss Hawaii Kanoelani Gibson gives up the title to this evening's winner. The victor moves on to the Miss America pageant this fall.