Posted on: Monday, May 31, 2004

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Ike: Countdown to D-Day," 5, 7, 9, 11 p.m., A&E. Here is a rarity — a talking-head movie that packs dramatic power. We simply see men planning, men thinking, men fretting. Still, it's emotionally compelling. What the men are planning, of course, has the future of the world at stake. Gen. Dwight Eisenhower (Tom Selleck) is shown preparing the D-Day invasion that would be a turning point in World War II.

We don't know if Lionel Chetwynd's script is historically accurate. It depicts Eisenhower as a virtual saint whose only equal is British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Ian Mune). Other generals — Bernard Montgomery, George Patton, Charles de Gaulle — are dismissed or mocked. What we can say is that Chetwynd wrote great dialogue and Selleck gives a perfect performance, burying himself in the role.

Of Note

Hockey, 2 p.m., ABC. Here's game four of the best-of-seven Stanley Cup finals, with the Calgary Flames and Tampa Bay Lightning.

"The O.C.," 7and 8 p.m., Fox. This drama will be back next season. For now, Fox reruns the Valentine's Day episode and then the season finale.

"Everybody Loves Raymond," 8 p.m., CBS. In a funny rerun, Robert frets after people point to his habit of touching his chin before eating.

"Willie Nelson & Friends: Outlaws and Angels," 9, 11 p.m., USA Network. Last year's Nelson special was superb. We haven't seen this one, but the tentative set list promises greatness. Nelson will duet with the best, singing "Stormy Weather" with Shelby Lynne, "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?" with Carole King, "Funny How Time Slips Away" with Al Green, "Midnight Rider" with Ben Harper and more with Bob Dylan, Keith Richards, Kid Rock, Lucinda Williams and others. In group numbers with various combinations of Toby Keith, Merle Haggard, Joe Walsh and Jerry Lee Lewis, he'll do "Georgia On a Fast Train," "Ramblin' Fever" and "Trouble in Mind." This could be terrific.