Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"The Shield," 10 p.m., FX. Sharp jolts ripple through this hour. It's "The Shield" at its best — violent, brutal, yet gripping us with human passion. The crisis began when Capt. David Aceveda (Benito Martinez) was ambushed and sodomized at gunpoint. Now he is a vigilante seeking revenge. There are powerful moments here that are superbly written and acted. Meanwhile, Dutch has a breakthrough in his search for a rapist.
"Dick Van Dyke Revisited," 8 p.m., CBS. "The Dick Van Dyke Show" left the air 38 years ago, but its stars remain nimble in body and soul. Carl Reiner, the show's creator, has written a reunion hour. His character, Alan Brady, wants his old writers to create a eulogy. The result is moderately amusing. It also provides an excuse for old clips and a current look at Mary Tyler Moore, Rose Marie, Ann Guilbert, Larry Mathews and two Van Dykes, Dick and Jerry.
Of Note
"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox. All the guys have been eliminated now leaving an all-female final four. They face disco night tonight with Donna Summer as guest.
"Frasier," 7 and 7:30 p.m., and "Dateline," 8 p.m., NBC. One of the cleverest comedies in recent years prepares to say farewell. First, we get the two episodes that set up the finale (now set for 8:54 p.m. Thursday). Both are skillfully done as Frasier Crane obsesses over a matchmaker (Laura Linney) who is dating a handsome guy (Aaron Eckhart). Then "Dateline" offers a one-hour view of the show.
"Gilmore Girls," 7 p.m., WB. Accompanying Luke to his sister's wedding, Lorelai gets new insights into the guy. Meanwhile, Rory finds herself once again in a situation involving both Dean and Jess.
"NYPD Blue," 9 p.m., ABC. The season finale arrives with Connie (Charlotte Ross) having her baby and Clark (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) having more personal and professional crises.
"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. Tom Skerritt plays a strong-minded judge who provides complications in attempts to prosecute a child-abuse case.
"Independent Lens: Refugee," 10 p.m., PBS. Mike Siv grew up in San Francisco after he and his mother fled Cambodia 20 years ago. The 24-year-old college student says he wanted to meet the father and brother he left behind. This documentary watches Siv and two friends make an emotional trip to meet his kin.
