Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"American Experience: Golden Gate Bridge," 9 p.m., PBS. Joseph Strauss, says historian Kevin Starr, was a Chicago native who spent his career building small drawbridges. Yet, he spent seven years promoting the idea of a bridge spanning the treacherous mile between San Francisco and Marin County. Eventually Strauss, according to this compelling documentary, had to scuttle his own design and go with experts.

Charles Ellis, a Purdue engineering professor, never was credited for his major work. Strauss was a stickler on safety. He required hard hats in 1933 long before others did. This is a story of a triumph and how a visionary paved the way for a 6,450-foot engineering marvel.

Of Note

"American Idol: The Final Five," 7 p.m., Fox. Before the competition resumes tomorrow, this show profiles the remaining five people — Jasmine Trias, Fantasia Barrino, George Huff, La Toya London and Diana DeGarmo.

"Unbreakable" (2000), 7 p.m., ABC. The duo that triumphed with "Sixth Sense," director-writer M. Night Shyamalan and star Bruce Willis, followed with this film. Willis pays someone who survived a deadly accident unscathed. Now a stranger (Samuel L. Jackson) tells him he has extraordinary powers.

"10.5" conclusion, 8 p.m., NBC. In last night's opener, an earthquake expert (Kim Delaney) tried to convince authorities that there was an immense plate shift under California. Now she has their attention as the state quakes. This film is loud and pointless — it even topples the Golden Gate Bridge, which PBS celebrates tonight. In its own semi-goofy way, though, it is fun to watch.

"Everybody Loves Raymond," 8 p.m., CBS. After Debra tells a secret about Ray, the guys start divulging things about the women.

"CSI: Miami," 9 p.m., CBS. A small plane crashes on a crowded beach.