Posted on: Friday, October 22, 2004
Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"Genius: A Night for Ray Charles," 8 p.m., CBS. Some great talents combine to offer memories of Ray Charles. Performers include Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Norah Jones, Usher, B.B. King, Elton John, Al Green and Bruce Willis, plus country's Reba McEntire and Kenny Chesney. Introducing and making comments are Tom Cruise, Ellen DeGeneres, Morgan Freeman, Quincy Jones and more. Jamie Foxx, who plays Charles in a new movie, "Ray," opening Oct. 29, hosts. Yes, that makes this hour a big movie promo; however, with this kind of talent we won't complain. "Third Watch," 8 p.m., NBC. Until the final, ludicrous moments, this is a terrific episode. There are fun relationships between two couples — Finney and Grace (Josh Stewart and Cara Buono), Carlos and Levine (Anthony Ruivivar and Yvonne Jung). That becomes crucial during a tense hostage situation. In addition, there are well-textured moments with Miller and Yokas (Aidan Quinn and Molly Price). It's a dandy hour — until the closing cliffhanger, which is severely overwrought. Of Note
"Joan of Arcadia," 7 p.m., CBS. When Joan gets involved in the school elections, she's soon tempted to do anything to win. "8 Simple Rules," 7 p.m., ABC. When Rory damages the van people assume one of his sisters did it. "Complete Savages," 7:30 p.m., ABC. Kaley Cuoco, an "8 Simple Rules" star, guest stars on this neighboring show. She plays a beauty who catches the attention of Sam (the responsible one, played by Andrew Eiden), but spends too much time on her cell phone. "Hope & Faith," 8 p.m., ABC. Go figure this: Charley got so weary of his sister-in-law Faith (Kelly Ripa) that he made her move out of his home. Still, he lets her work as a receptionist in his dental office. "Less Than Perfect," 8:30 p.m., ABC. Lucy Lawless, of "Xena" fame, plays a publicist. She's promoting an autobiography by Will Parker (Eric Roberts), an anchorman who happens to be her former lover. "Dr. Vegas," 9 p.m., CBS. Billy (Rob Lowe), who has a gambling problem, wants to join a big-money poker game so he can be near a man who has medical problems.
