Posted on: Monday, September 13, 2004

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"The Benefactor" debut, 12:36 a.m., ABC. (That's right. 12:36 a.m., because of Monday Night Football.) How do you play a game with no rules, standards or goals? It isn't easy. There are 16 people competing for $1 million in a game led by Mark Cuban, the dot-com billionaire. Tonight, he eliminates three without defining the game. All of this is frustrating to watch, yet kind of interesting.

"I Do (But I Don't)," 6 p.m., Lifetime. A beautiful wedding planner (Denise Richards) watches others wed after her own failed marriage. Then she meets a handsome fireman (Dean Cain). Coming up are huge contrivances and coincidences. Still, it's fun, with enough humor to keep us entertained.

Of Note

"The Tony Danza Show," "The Insider," "Ambush Makeover," "Pat Croce: Moving In," "Home Delivery" and "The Larry Elder Show" premiere; various times and networks. This is the big day for the syndicated shows that run weekdays on various networks. Our early bet is on Danza, who mixes amiability and deceptive intelligence.

"7th Heaven" season opener, 7 p.m., WB. David Gallagher returns as Simon, with a new girlfriend and a casual approach to sex. Barry Watson also returns as Matt, trying to offer advice. There are some moments of good comedy, others that seem slow and stilted.

"Everwood" season opener, 8 p.m., WB. Ephram is back home and is reunited with a cheery girlfriend and an enviable life. Alas, he's pouting about something.

"Everybody Loves Raymond," 8 p.m., CBS. Here's a rerun of the season finale, including the long scene with brothers Ray and Robert. It's skillfully done but no match for the show's usual fun.

"Las Vegas" season opener, 8 p.m., NBC. Danny is back from the war, but his odd behavior has everyone worried.

"LAX" debut, 9 p.m., NBC. How many things can go wrong in one day at an airport in Los Angeles? This overwrought hour has drunken pilots, a jilted bride, a bomb scare and more.

"Extreme Oil" debut, 10 p.m., PBS. This three-week series starts with a visit to the Caspian Sea, where massive corruption of former Soviet republics makes oil projects difficult.