Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Wonderfalls" debut, 8 p.m., Fox. After sitting on a shelf for six months, this above-average series gets its chance. Fox is hoping some viewers will switch to it after CBS' "Joan of Arcadia." Like "Joan," this show centers on an attractive brunette who's kind of drifting in life then starts getting bizarre instructions. The "Wonderfalls" character, well played by Canadian Caroline Dhavernas, is older than Joan (24, not 16) and more cynical. Her instructions come from inanimate objects, not God. There's more humor and less heart-touching here. Both shows, however, are thoroughly entertaining.

"Touching Evil" debut, 9 p.m., USA Network. The British version of this series is darkly brilliant with an unflinching cop who survived a near-death experience. The American version is lighter but still smart. Tonight's plot is from the British version, with a kidnapper convinced he's too smart for the police.

Of Note

"Playing It Straight" debut, 7 p.m., Fox. Fox has a new variation on its cruel twists: The central woman will romance 14 guys, then choose one to share a million dollars with. The catch is that she knows some of the guys are only pretending to be straight. If she chooses one of the gay guys, he gets to keep the entire million.

"Secret Admirer" (1985), 7 p.m., Pax. Cleverly written and skillfully performed. An unsigned love letter creates confusion among teens and their parents.

"JAG," 8 p.m., CBS. In a change of pace, characters imagine alternate existences, including Harm and Mac being married.

"Crossing Jordan," 9 p.m., NBC. This solid series has new episodes on Fridays and Sundays. For tonight's episode, we have to believe that a forensics expert, who helps convict people, would be on the jury of a criminal trial.