Posted on: Saturday, May 15, 2004

Tube Notes

Mike Hughes,
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Lewis Black: Black on Broadway," 7 p.m., HBO. Lewis Black is angry about everything. He's mad about politics, bottled water, planes and people. He even doubts the common view that New Zealand is a beautiful country. "After 22 hours on a plane, any land mass will look beautiful," Black says. "An ice floe with two penguins (is) beautiful." Viewers have seen Black perform brief, weekly bits on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show." Now here's a splendid chance to see him for a full hour as the humor builds. This may be one of the funniest stand-up specials in cable history.

Of Note

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (2001), 7 p.m., ABC. ABC went overboard Sunday, turning "Harry" into a marathon that sprawled over four hours, including commercials. Now it's in a three-hour slot that will involve some trimming, which can't hurt. The theatrical version (two hours and 32 minutes, without commercials) was fun but had some parts that could have been sliced.

"Law & Order," 7 p.m., NBC. A night of reruns from the three "Law & Order" shows starts with this one: The rape and murder of a teen girl seems similar to one five years ago. Police wonder if there's a serial killer.

"Swordfish" (2001), 8 p.m., CBS. Hugh Jackman, currently starring in "Van Helsing," plays a computer hacker who's kidnapped by a nasty criminal (John Travolta). Halle Berry also stars.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. After finding a young boy searching through the garbage, police suspect abuse. As they meet his diligent mother, their view broadens. Dixie Carter and Marlo Thomas guest star as lawyers.

"Saturday Night Live," 10:30 p.m., NBC. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen — media moguls, still 29 days shy of their 18th birthday — host. J-Kwon is the musical guest.

"Mad TV," 10:35 p.m., Fox. Tom Bergeron, the witty host of "Hollywood Squares" and "America's Funniest Home Videos," hosts.