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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Nashville Star" finale, 10 p.m., USA Network. It will be another month before "American Idol" concludes. While waiting, fans can catch the finale of this country-music competition, which is stretched to 90 minutes. It includes performances by modern country music artists Big & Rich and Cowboy Troy.

But the three finalists are thoroughly traditional. Jason Meadows, 33, grew up on a farm in Oklahoma and now has one in Tennessee. He's pure George Strait, a white-hat cowboy with macho energy. Jody Evans, 28, is a cop in Arkadelphia, Ark. He's the Everly Brothers meet Buddy Holly and he's a high-octane rockabilly guy. Erika Jo, 18, is a high school student who has sung for 13 years. She can snap with Reba-like energy, but last week she soared beautifully into a Martina McBride ballad. The votes are already counted, based on last week's show. Tonight, we get a winner.



Of Note

"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox. For two straight weeks, voters have ousted an immensely talented black singer, first Nadia Turner and then Anwar Robinson. Tonight, the final six singers perform.

"The Most Outrageous Game Show Moments 5," 7 p.m., NBC. For the second consecutive week, NBC scheduled comedies in this hour, then replaced them with game-show clips. Viewers may revolt.

"My Wife and Kids," 7 p.m., ABC. This is supposed to be a great day for Jay, as she graduates from college. First, however, everything goes wrong.

"Bleep: Censoring Hollywood," 7, 10:30 p.m., AMC. As Congress tries to clamp down on the language and visuals of Hollywood, some companies are pushing high-tech approaches. They sell software that blocks profanity, nudity, violence and more. This documentary shows before-and-after examples and catches arguments on both sides.

"Scrubs," 8 p.m., NBC. Elliot is hopeful about her new relationship with Jake (played by Josh Randall of "Ed"); she consults J.D. for advice. Meanwhile, Turk is a hero.

"The Office," 8:30 p.m., NBC. In a fairly funny episode with a poignant ending, a young woman wants to sell handbags in the office. Since she's attractive, Michael says yes and office life changes.

"Rodney," 8:30 p.m., ABC. Here's the season's last new episode of this fairly good comedy. Rodney is heading out on a comedy tour, which means his wife has lots of responsibilities at home.

"Wide Angle: White Smoke," 9 p.m., PBS. PBS had planned to give this slot to a "Frontline" report on Wal-Mart. That's postponed, however, so this can air shortly after the election of Pope Benedict XVI. The show looks at the inner life of the Vatican, as seen by a reporter, a photographer, a Vatican-based priest and others.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. In a rerun, a traffic-accident victim has signs of child abuse.

"Independent Lens: End of the Century: The Ramones," 10 p.m., PBS. The fascinating extremes of the power-punk band, the Ramones, is related in this documentary, with concert footage.