Posted on: Thursday, April 14, 2005

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Blue Collar TV," 7 p.m., WB. On a weak night for TV, this is a good time to check out the "Blue Collar" phenomenon. At the core are some smart stand-up comedians with down-home touches. There's Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, Larry the Cable Guy and (on tour but not in most WB episodes) Ron White. These guys offer sharp wit and great storytelling. Their stand-up acts score big on Comedy Central.

Of Note

"Jake in Progress," 7 and 7:30 p.m., ABC. Julie Bowen, formerly of "Ed," has been an important addition to this show. As Brooke she supplies a warmer, more human presence alongside all these slick Manhattanites. Tonight, Jake's effort to romance her keeps finding trouble. In the first episode, her former boyfriend arrives; in the second, his boss chooses an inopportune time to go into labor.

"The O.C.," 7 p.m., Fox. Ryan tries to smooth things over with his bad-news brother by throwing him a party for his 21st birthday.

"Joey," 7 p.m., NBC. Now that he's in charge, Joey can hire an assistant. He soon has one who falls for his sister. Meanwhile, her son is bitter when a friend patents an idea they developed separately.

"Will & Grace," 7:30 p.m., NBC. It's time for Grace's first date with Nick (Edward Burns), so she brings Will along as a diversion. Meanwhile, Karen tries to get Jack a date with a bird-watcher (Luke Perry).

"The Apprentice," 8 p.m., NBC. The teams must design a brochure for a limited-edition car.

"Tru Calling," 8 p.m., Fox. Jack (Jason Priestley) likes a young loner (Maggie Lawson), then gets her cry for help.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. Let's credit this show for altering a formula that has made it No. 1. Usually, "CSI" solves two cases in an hour, alternating between them. This time, it has four.

"Without a Trace," 9 p.m., CBS. Bill Brochtrup is known for his eight years as John Irvin on "NYPD Blue." Now he plays a suspect in a psychic's disappearance.

"ER," 9 p.m., NBC. This rerun has Neela returning to work at the hospital after a job at a convenience store. She has a rough first day back. Pratt gives Neela, Abby and Ray a lot of work and the latter two soon get into trouble.