Posted on: Monday, November 1, 2004

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Identity Theft: The Michelle Brown Story," 7 p.m., Lifetime. For more than a year, the real life of Michelle Brown was an ominous ordeal. A con man had her credit card numbers, driver's license and more, and was impersonating her. She was perplexed; so were police. That's been turned into a TV movie that exaggerates some of the details but still makes an impact. Kimberly Williams-Paisley plays Brown as a sweet soul trapped in a nightmare. Annabella Sciorra plays a cold-eyed identity thief. On Sunday, in another true story, Sciorra was warm and passionate in CBS' "The Madam's Family." Her range is impressive.

"Saturday Night Live Presidential Bash," 9 p.m., NBC. "Saturday Night Live" has had so-so luck finding humor in the Kerry-Bush debates. In the past, however, it's had great moments at the expense of Bill Clinton, Gerald Ford, Bob Dole and more. This special, hosted by Darrell Hammond as Clinton, offers highlights from thos past shows.

Of Note

"The Young and the Restless," 1 p.m., CBS. Here's the 8,000th episode of this soap opera, stuffed to overflowing. It's the wedding day for Brittany and Bobby, with her childhood friend J.T. struggling to confess his love. Ashley has ended her marriage to Brad and is intent on breaking up the Victor-Nikki wedlock. Also, the guy who killed Damon's son terrorizes Phyllis. Life is dizzying in soapville, but we have to admit, even after 31 years, this is still acted and directed with skill and subtlety.

"Still Standing," 7 p.m., CBS. A night of CBS reruns begins here, with the late Rodney Dangerfield as a neighbor who's moving. The new neighbors are lesbians, played by Justine Bateman ("Family Ties") and Julia Campbell. Bill and Judy need their approval for a project.

"Listen Up," 7:30 p.m., CBS. In a rerun of the pilot film, Tony (Jason Alexander) is in trouble for writing a personal column about his teen daughter.