Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"The West Wing," 8 p.m., NBC. Creating a documentary about presidential press secretaries, a crew wants to tape a normal day for C.J. It turns out to be terribly abnormal. She's trying to hush news of a shootout between the FBI and terrorists. She's also preparing the staff for the president's papal visit and she's ducking questions about the future of the FBI director.

"American Idol," 7:30 p.m., Fox. Camile Velasco of Maui came close to being eliminated last week, before 25-year-old Matt Rogers got the boot. Tonight, the field is trimmed to nine.

Of Note

"My Wife and Kids," 7 and 7:30 p.m., ABC. In the first episode, Michael feels he should hire the brother of his son's pregnant girlfriend. In the second, a rerun, he's helpless at catching a mouse.

"National Geographic: Whales in Crisis," 8 p.m., PBS. Whales are awesome creatures, this terrific documentary says, sometimes living for 200 years. Humans have the capacity to help or harm them greatly. In Florida, we see volunteers working to rescue a stranded whale. In Greenland, spectacular footage shows scientists chasing a 60-ton whale so they can attach satellite tags. And in Washington's Puget Sound, a biologist offers fresh indications that sonar can drive whales off-kilter. The Navy, which needs sonar to detect submarines, considers moving its exercises.

"The O.C.," 8 p.m., Fox. Ryan searches for Marissa, who ran off after finding out that her mother has been sleeping with her ex-boyfriend.

"King of Queens," 8 p.m., CBS. Doug and Carrie both worry about losing their jobs.

"The Stones," 8:30 p.m., CBS. Mom and dad have been working on a peaceful divorce. That changes when he cancels her credit cards.

"Law & Order," 9 p.m., NBC. McCoy is jolted by the murder of an assistant district attorney he's worked with. The investigation brings surprises about the victim.