Posted on: Wednesday, October 6, 2004

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"PBS Hollywood Presents: Cop Shop," 9 p.m., PBS. Here's a throwback to TV's Golden Age when deep dramas were done in tight quarters. The writing is rich and layered; the performances are superb. There's a catch, of course. The classic dramas didn't always have a neat beginning, middle and end.

One story, written by David Black, is set during a meeting in a wealthy neighborhood that has had several rapes. An old and young cop (Blair Brown and Michole Briana White) try to provide comfort. The other, written by Robin Shamburg, centers on a cop (Richard Dreyfuss) making his first brothel visit since he quit drinking. He bonds with an introspective prostitute (Rosie Perez). The first story doesn't have an ending, but it has great slices along the way. The second has a surprising one, wrapping up a dandy night.

Of Note

"Proof Positive" debut, 5, 8 p.m., Sci Fi Channel. This series tries to take people's claims and subject them to scientific testing. Amanda Tapping, the bright and likable actress who co-stars in "Stargate SG-1", is the host.

"Lost," 7 p.m., ABC. Last week's terrific episode ended with a jolt: Kate — sweet-faced and helpful — is the one who was being transported by a federal marshal. Now he's conscious and demanding to know where she is. Jack (Matthew Fox) — his doctor and her friend — is caught in the middle.

"Hawaii," 7 p.m., NBC. Gains and Edwards are caught between factions in a dispute that goes back to a murder 200 years ago. They decide to exhume the body.

"Russell Simmons Presents: Hip-Hop Justice" debut (Court TV) and "And You Don't Stop: 30 Years of Hip-Hop" (VH1), both 7 p.m. Simmons, founder of Def Jam Records, dominates here. His new Court TV show alleges that police often mistreat hip-hop performers. Meanwhile, he's also a key in the five-night VH1 documentary. Tonight's new episode focuses on gangsta rap.