Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"The West Wing," 8 p.m., NBC. As last week's terrific episode ended, President Bartlet made his decision: Leo's heart attack was major; C.J., the press secretary, would be the new chief of staff. This is big for C.J., and for Allison Janney, who plays her. "I get nervous about change," Janney said. "I found it terrifying and exciting." It's also a shift for what was already TV's best drama. At times, this was a talking-suit show with Leo ruling the staffers. "His relationships with the president is such a deep, male friendship," Janney said. Now that changes. "I don't think there has ever been a female chief of staff," she said. Some viewers still worry about her romances. They point to new prospects like Jimmy Smits, who joins the show tonight. "He certainly fills the height requirements for C.J.," Janney, who is 6 feet, said with a laugh. "I think he's about 6-3 and, boy, is he nice to look at." There's no chance for them, she said. He's there as a presidential candidate. Any beau of C.J.'s usually fares poorly, anyway. "He spontaneously combusts."

Of Note

"Lost," 7 p.m., ABC. Tonight, we learn more about Sawyer (Josh Holloway), the scary one. Jack and Sayid discover he has been keeping asthma medicine from Shannon (Maggie Grace), the self-centered beauty.

"National Geographic: Arlington: Field of Honor," 8 p.m., PBS. On one level, this is a lush documentary about the operation of the national cemetery; the content is minor, but the visuals are gorgeous. On another, it offers a fascinating history of the place. The federal government seized it from its owner — who was both the wife of Robert E. Lee and the great-granddaughter of George Washington. Later, the Supreme Court gave it back and the government had to buy it.

"King of Queens," 8 p.m., CBS. Needing a support group for overeaters, Doug catches the wrong meeting.