Posted on: Saturday, October 2, 2004

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Lost," 7 p.m., ABC. This terrific pilot film aired in one-hour chunks. If you missed those, catch the two-hour form that was originally planned. We see the 48 survivors of a plane that crashed on a jungle island. This remains a solid story of people under pressure, building a community.

"McLeod's Daughters" debut, 7 p.m., WE cable channel. In Australia's Outback, harsh, hot and sometimes beautiful, Jack McLeod had a sprawling cattle and sheep ranch. After his death, his daughter Claire runs an all-female operation. That's the start of an Australian hit now making its U.S. debut.

Of Note

"The Mansion," 7 a.m., TBS. Here is the latest variation on a home renovation show. Eight people — ranging from a 28-year-old cheerleading coach to a 39-year-old grandmother — work on a Cincinnati mansion. Viewers will decide which person gets to keep it.

"Survivor," 7 p.m. (CBS) and "The Apprentice," 8 p.m. (NBC). Saturday has turned into a dumping ground for reruns. Tonight, all three of the biggest networks shamelessly fill all of prime time (except for "48 Hours," at 9 p.m. on CBS) with repeats. "Apprentice" has teams competing in the restaurant business; "Survivor" ousts its third person.

"Beethoven" (1992), 7 p.m., Pax TV. Because everyone else is showing reruns now, you might as well settle back and watch this fun dog film. Charles Grodin plays a dad who reluctantly becomes the owner of a St. Bernard.

"CSI: Miami," 8 p.m., CBS. Home invaders abduct a surfing star in this rerun.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. A boy is found foraging through garbage.

"Saturday Night Live," 10:30 p.m., NBC. Ben Affleck hosts with Nelly as musical guest.