Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"Gracie's Choice" (2004), 6 p.m., Lifetime. Two gifted actresses turned this true story into an emotional ride. One is Anne Heche as a young mom who keeps partying with the wrong guys while ignoring her children. The other is Kristen Bell, the movie's real star. She plays the responsible teen who holds things together for her half-brothers; it's a quietly compelling performance.
"Rebels and Redcoats," conclusion, 9 p.m., PBS. As the Revolutionary War dragged on, both sides needed manpower. The British recruited loyalists and slaves in the colonies. The rebels also recruited slaves — often with promises that weren't kept. Still, it was the French who tipped the balance. Their ships trapped the British by sea; their men joined George Washington's in a land charge. The British tried to surrender to the French, who directed them to Washington. This interesting documentary also highlights rebel general Nathanael Greene, who perfected hit-and-run techniques: You can win a war, he said, without winning any battles.
Of Note
"Josie and the Pussycats" (2001), 7 p.m., WB. Bringing the cartoon characters to life, this movie has members of a pop-music group confronting evil schemes.
"On Stage at the White House," 8 p.m., PBS. This special views a White House dinner from preparations to Natalie Cole's performance.
"The Drew Carey Show," 8 and 8:30 p.m., ABC. In the first new episode, Drew goes back on his promise to avoid alcohol during Kellie's pregnancy. In the second, French Stewart ("3rd Rock From the Sun") is an annoying neighbor.
"The Simple Life 2: Road Trip," 8 p.m., Fox. Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie work at a sausage factory.
"Method & Red," 8:30 p.m., Fox. Chaka Khan and Kenny Loggins visit a birthday party for Method Man's mom, in the third episode of a deceptively funny show.
"Taboo," 7 p.m., National Geographic Channel. The third-season opener of this bizarre documentary series begs the question, "What living conditions would be taboo for you?" From there, it takes viewers to a temple in Northern India where rats are worshipped, a Florida nudist resort and a Philippine cemetery in Manila shere families set up home-sweet-home among the tombs.
