Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox. Last week's finals got things off to a spectacular start. The finalists (eight men, four women) were strong, and at least half of them seemed idol-worthy. Now the field is down to 11 people including Hawaii's own Camile Velasco and Jasmine Trias who perform tonight over a two-hour stretch. On Wednesday, we see who is dumped.
"The Shield," 10 p.m., FX. In the first two weeks of this powerhouse series, Vic and his crew obsessed over the fortune they stole from mobsters. That's ignored tonight as office politics prevail. Aceveda and Wyms are in charge of a high-profile hooker crackdown. That causes trouble with a politically sensitive arrest and with a desperate hooker who brings up Vic's bitter memories. This is a powerful episode, but a painful one with much brutality.
Of Note
"Whoopi," 7 p.m., NBC. Opposite forces collide in Mavis' hotel. Her cousin has a gay wedding and her brother has a Republican bash.
"Frasier," 8 p.m., NBC. This reruns the episode in which Niles and Daphne conspire to get their unborn child into the most prestigious nursery school.
"According to Jim," 8 p.m., ABC. Jim seems to claim that a buddy is in town each time there's a social event to avoid.
"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. Often quick to mimic the news, the show has sexual-abuse charges brought against a rich man who throws lavish parties for kids. Sound like anyone familiar?
"Independent Lens: T-Shirt Travels," 10 p.m., PBS. When she was in Zambia, filmmaker Shantha Bloemen saw villagers wearing AC/DC T-shirts and Adidas sneakers. Her investigation led to reports of how American's donations to charity wind up crippling Zambian manufacturers. A fascinating look at how charity has helped hurt a society.