Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox. Music-lovers are still fuming about last week's voting, which Randy Jackson (one of the judges) properly termed "a travesty." The two best singers, LaToya London and Fantasia Barrino, finished last. They fretted, while Diana DeGarmo beamed and Jasmine Trias (coming off a bad performance) looked sheepish. London was ousted, then delivered a final song that illustrated her star power. This week, the field will be trimmed from three to two.
"Colonial House," 8 p.m., PBS. This reality show was supposed to teach us about life in 1628. Instead, we're learning how fiercely we hold our 21st-century values. Michelle Voorhees savors religious freedom. Breaking the rules, she skips church and has a pleasant Sunday of skinny-dipping with her husband and son. Carolyn Heinz fumes about the lack of women's rights. And in moving moments, Jonathon Allen tells colleagues he is gay. All of this tightens around Jeff Wyers, the Colony governor, already shattered by the death back home of his daughter's fiance. This is strong, human television.
Of Note
"Gilmore Girls," 7 p.m., WB. The season finale has mother and daughter reconsidering relationships that crumbled. Lorelai thinks about Jason, Rory about Dean.
"8 Simple Rules," 7 p.m., ABC. This three-generation comedy ends its season with an hour-long episode that lets the older folks consider romances. Cate (Katey Sagal, 50) is with the school principal (Adam Arkin, 46); Jim (James Garner, 76) meets a bar-owner (Connie Stevens, 65).
"Tell Me a Story: The Man Who Made 60 Minutes," 8 p.m., CBS. Don Hewitt has brilliantly run "60 Minutes" for all of its 36 years, giving it passion, integrity and a sense of great storytelling. Now, as he retires from the top role, he gets a well-deserved tribute.
"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 8 and 9 p.m., NBC. Sadly, this is a Tuesday with no "Frasier" — and, indeed, no comedy — on NBC. In the first "SVU," a bully might have been slain; the second involves a 12-year-old boy and the woman who is his school principal.
"24," 8 p.m., Fox. In the final hours of the crisis, Saunders — with a virus that could kill millions — is still loose. Tony helped him get away because Saunders had Michelle captive. Now Tony has been arrested; Jack tries to help his friend and catch his enemy.
"Judging Amy," 9 p.m., CBS. Amy and her mom each face romantic complications in this season finale, at the same time that Amy hears a tough case about a teen who may have written a death list.
"The Shield," 10 p.m., FX. Vic catches a small crook (Vicellous Shannon of "The Hurricane") who leads to something big. Dutch's interrogation of a rapist turns into am informal therapy session.
