Posted on: Monday, October 18, 2004
Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
Editor's note: "North Shore" is in the middle of a one-month hiatus. It has not been canceled, as some fans have feared. The Hawai'i-based drama moves to its new Thursday 8 p.m. slot on Nov. 4, right after the season premiere of last year's surprise hit, "The O.C."
"North Shore" has had a rocky first season. Despite the recent addition of actress Shannen Doherty to the cast, the Sept. 27 episode (the last aired before the hiatus) was fifth in its time slot with a 3.5/5 rating. "American Experience: The Fight," 9 p.m., PBS. Joe Louis and Max Schmeling were tough, small-town guys who moved to the city and became boxing champions. In Detroit, Louis was a quiet guy who hardened his body by hauling ice. In Berlin, Schmeling mixed, mingled and adapted. In the pre-Hitler years, he partied and prospered. As war neared, this film says, he became a public-relations tool for the Nazis; Schmeling had a Jewish manager and Jewish friends but kept saying things were fine in Germany. And in the postwar years, he became a rich Coca-Cola bottler. Schmeling, who will be 100 next September, has lived in comfort. For one 1938 fight, these men bore huge symbolism. Schmeling represented the German image of superiority; Louis represented America's hardy blend of cultures. This documentary vividly tells of the times and the emotions. "Nuts for Mutts," 2, 5 p.m., Animal Planet. Forget about all those dead-serious dog shows. This one celebrates mixed breeds with such categories as best singer, best kisser and cutest puppy. Lots of celebrities are involved, including judges Samantha Mathis, Colby Donaldson (the "Survivor" runner-up) and "ER" stars Maura Tierney and Goran Visnjic. "Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars" conclusion, 6 p.m., Sci-Fi Channel; repeats at 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. In Sunday's terrific opener (which repeats at 4 p.m. today), almost everything went wrong. War erupted and Aeryn's baby-to-be ended up in Rygel's body. Now comes the bizarre conclusion. "Model Citizens," 7 p.m., Pax TV. Five pretty people build an aviary for an animal-rescue group. In its own way, it's a fun hour.
Of Note
