Posted on: Thursday, September 23, 2004

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"ER" season-opener, 9 p.m., NBC. As the season starts, "ER" gropes for its former glory. It tries everything tonight from a fierce car accident to personal crises. The accident victims are Pratt and Chen. Now their colleagues rush to save their lives. And the biggest personal crisis involves Kerry Weaver, struggling for custody of the baby she planned to raise with the late Sandy, her female lover. Tonight, she has a key confrontation with Sandy's family. All of that happens while other lives are changing. Abby is a doctor now and Neela has abruptly dropped her internship.

Of Note

"Joey," 7 p.m., NBC. With no real friends in Los Angeles, Joey decided it's time to throw a party for his neighbors. He soon finds that his nephew is the one most in need of a companion.

"Survivor," 7 p.m., CBS. It's time for the second person to be ousted.

"Will & Grace," 7:30 p.m., NBC. In last week's season-opener, Jennifer Lopez fired Jack after he tried to pitch a friend's song to her. Now he's seeking the same job (back-up dancer) with Janet Jackson.

"Cinderella" (1997), 8 p.m., Disney Channel. This Rodgers and Hammerstein musical was remade into a lush and (sometimes) loopy delight. The songs and the main stars (Brandy, Paolo Montalban) are adequate. What makes this "Cinderella" stand out is the bright, appealing look and the splendid supporting cast. It includes Whitney Houston, Bernadette Peters, Jason Alexander, Whoopi Goldberg and more.

"The Apprentice," 8 p.m., NBC. The teams must promote a new flavor of toothpaste.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" season-opener, 8 p.m., CBS. Four murders cause confusion — especially since one is in the famed "Area 51," a spot targeted by UFO buffs.

"Without a Trace" season-opener, 9 p.m., CBS. Two campers, one of them blind, have disappeared.