Posted on: Tuesday, September 21, 2004

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes, Gannett News Service
and Derek Paiva, Advertiser Staff Writer

Tonight's Must-See

"Amazing Race" 8 p.m., CBS. This race has been amazing indeed. Despite one flaw — an occasional sadistic streak — "Race" is slick and entertaining. Tonight, three duos are on the final legs of their 70,000-mile trek; afterward, the show's sixth edition will get a regular-season run on Saturdays.

Of Note

"My Wife and Kids," season opener, 7 p.m., ABC. This hour is set in Las Vegas and stuffed with guest stars. Michael Jordan and Wayne Newton play themselves; Alan Thicke is a clumsy magician and the Rev. Al Sharpton works at a wedding chapel.

"One Tree Hill," season opener, 8 p.m., WB. Nathan and Haley are married now; they visit his dad, who is recovering from a heart attack.

"Father of the Pride," 8 p.m., NBC. Tonight's guest star is ... well, Shrek's donkey. This show can do that, because it's from the "Shrek" producers. Eddie Murphy provides the voice, as he did in the movie.

"According To Jim," season opener, 8 p.m., ABC. The fourth season begins with Cheryl and Jim's efforts to have another baby thwarted by Jim's aversion to giving up his vices. Wasn't this, like, the second season's opener, too?

"Rodney" debut, 8:30 p.m., ABC. Rodney Carrington is a gifted comedian with a gift for writing funny songs. Here, he nestles adequately into a situation comedy. He plays a working guy who wants to quit his job and focus on stand-up; his wife, well played by Jennifer Aspen, disapproves.

"NYPD Blue," 9 p.m., ABC. As its final season begins, this classic series adds one more key cast member. That's Bonnie Somerville, who has done terrific work in everything from "Friends" (as Ross' girlfriend Mona) to the lead role in the "Shake, Rattle and Roll" miniseries. Tonight, Somerville — who grew up in a family of New York City policemen and firemen — arrives as Detective Laura Murphy. "She's very friendly, very flirty," she says. "She's fun to play."

"Law & Order: SVU," season opener, 9 p.m., NBC. We like Lea Thompson ("Caroline In The City"). So it's good to see her back on television — if only briefly — on this sixth-season bow. Here, Thompson plays a widow who claims to have found her kidnapped daughter.