Posted on: Saturday, September 4, 2004

Tube Notes

Mike Hughes,
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Chappelle's Show," 6 to 9 p.m., Comedy Central; "Dave Chappelle: For What It's Worth," 6 p.m., Showtime. When TV Guide called Dave Chappelle "the funniest man on TV," it should have been a little more specific. Chappelle is brilliant with what he does best — making satiric little films. The ones in "Chappelle's Show" are sharp and funny. You can catch six straight episodes tonight on Comedy Central. When he does stand-up, however, Chappelle seems to be just another TV guy, skating by. His Showtime concert, taped in San Francisco, has some OK material. The crowd screams with approval — as crowds seem to do for any TV name. Still, it's soon clear that this is thin material, at best. Chappelle delivers it well, but doesn't have much to share. If he had shown his Comedy Central films, that would have been a real treat.

Of Note

"Dinosaur" (2000), 7 p.m., ABC. From a technical view, this computer-animated Disney movie is impressive; still, it's rather stiff and bloodless. The story is set in a prehistoric world, where life on an idyllic island is destroyed by a meteor shower. Now the animals, including a dinosaur, must join together to reach a new home. The voices include D.B. Sweeney, Alfre Woodard and Ossie Davis.

"Father of the Pride," 7 p.m., NBC. This is the third time this episode has aired this week. Maybe NBC figures we'll finally give up and like it. Like "Dinosaur," it combines stunning computer animation and a so-so script.

"Amazing Race," 7 p.m., CBS. If you missed Tuesday's episode, which ran an hour earlier than usual, here's a second chance. The racers reach Calcutta.

"Try to Remember" (2004), 8 p.m., Pax. This Mary Higgins Clark mystery has witnesses dying prior to a trial. Police are suspicious.

"Crossing Jordan," 9 p.m., NBC. The body of a policeman's daughter has washed ashore.

"Without a Trace," 9 p.m., CBS. Police are stymied when there seem to be no witnesses to a kidnapping in Spanish Harlem in broad daylight.

"Saturday Night Live," 10:30 p.m., NBC. This is billed as "The Best of Cheri Oteri." Alas, even a "best of" will probably include some cheerleader sketches.