Posted on: Tuesday, October 12, 2004

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Nova: The Most Dangerous Woman in America," 8 p.m., PBS. Health, science and civil liberties converged a century ago in the fascinating case of Mary Mallon. She was a cook and considered a typhoid carrier. Soon, she was dubbed Typhoid Mary and quarantined on an island. Doctors, lawyers and others were drawn into the debate. It's a fascinating tale, told with reenactments, old photos, newsreels and modern experts' comments.

"Father of the Pride," 7 p.m., NBC. Here's a new example of the network jumpiness confusing the audience. Last week, viewers voted for the winner of "Last Comic Standing," with the results to be announced at 7 p.m. today. Then NBC yanked the final episode, with no immediate word on when it would air. Instead, it plugs in two "Pride" reruns. One has Eddie Murphy as the donkey he played in "Shrek"; the other has Larry and Kate finding catnip in their daughter's stuff. That's followed at 8 p.m. by a new episode in which Larry steals a big-screen TV. Why bother, if you aren't sure what will be on the air?

Of Note

Baseball, 2 p.m., Fox. The American League's championship series begins.

"NCIS," 7 p.m., CBS. Things turn creepy when two Marine pilots are missing and their helicopter is found at a crop circle.

"Manhunt" debut, 7, 9 p.m., Bravo. Carmen Electra hosts a search for the best male model.

"Wanda Does It," 7:30 p.m., Comedy Central. This disappointing episode has Wanda Sykes learning to gamble in Las Vegas.

"Clubhouse," 8 p.m., CBS. The bat boys think they're supposed to sleep at the stadium tonight. Alas, this may be another prank.

"Frontline: The Choice," 9 p.m., PBS. On the eve of the final presidential debate, this entwines profiles of John Kerry and George W. Bush.

"NYPD Blue," 9 p.m., ABC. Andy bitterly tries to learn which of his old enemies is stalking him.

"Law & Order: SVU," 9 p.m., NBC. When a controversial actress is raped, people blame the radio commentator (Lewis Black) and community activist (Dana Delany) who stirred up criticism.