Posted on: Tuesday, November 23, 2004

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. Both sides of a rape allegation leave the police perplexed. He's too slick, too prepared; she's too skittish. He's a professor who shouldn't have had sex with his grad student; she was wearing sexy lingerie when she visited him. This hour will frustrate viewers, just as it does officials. Still, it's saved by great performances. Shannyn Sossamon and Billy Campbell are superb as the antagonists. Christopher Meloni has strong moments when his character (Stabler) is in the crossfire.

Of Note

"All of Us," 4 p.m., UPN (KIKU). Neesee's mom (Debbie Allen) causes trouble at Thanksgiving.

"NCIS," 7 p.m., CBS. Charles Durning plays a war hero who says he killed his friend at Iwo Jima.

"Nova: Ancient Refuge in the Holy Land," 8 p.m., PBS. In 1960, archeologists found a vital cache in an ancient cave, including letters from Bar Kokhba, who led a failed Jewish revolt against the Romans. Now a new dig begins, seeking more. This documentary is unsatisfying, raising more questions than it answers; the subject, however, remains fascinating.

"House," 8 p.m., Fox. After its wonderful debut last week, here's the second episode, with Hugh Laurie as the brilliant doctor who dislikes patients. Tonight, he stirs trouble with theories about a teen boy's night tremors.

"According to Jim," 8 p.m., ABC. The Thanksgiving woes start when Jim insists on being in charge of the turkey.

"Rodney," 8:30 p.m., ABC. Thanksgiving brings the clash of Rodney's mom (Karen Austin) and his wife's dad (Mac Davis).

"NYPD Blue," 9 p.m., ABC. Clark is guarding a woman who's a key witness. Also, Medavoy and Jones find troubles deepening.