Posted on: Thursday, April 28, 2005
Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"Stories of the Innocence Project: Fingered With a Print," 7, 11 p.m., Court TV. Stephan Cowans was a bright Boston guy who did small-scale crimes. He would sell a bogus watch, people say, but not commit violence. Suddenly, he was charged with shooting a cop. Eyewitness accounts were mixed. But there was a fingerprint, then considered the ultimate evidence. He was sentenced to 50 years in prison.
Cowans threw himself into his appeals. He finally reached the lawyers in the Innocence Project. When DNA evidence seemed to clear him, officials re-examined other evidence, including the handling of that fingerprint. They apologized and Cowans was freed. On one level, this is a strong human story, with interviews from many of the key people. On another, it's a quiet reminder that guilt can be less obvious than it seems. So far, Court TV says, 157 convicted people have been exonerated by DNA. "Sweet Home Alabama" (2002), 7 p.m., ABC. Reese Witherspoon plays a sleek, slick designer, prospering in New York City. There's a catch: Back home, her husband has never signed their divorce papers. She revisits her old life. "Survivor: Palau," 7 p.m., CBS. The show rushes toward its May 15 finale. "O.C.," 7 p.m., Fox. Sandy rushes to Miami to see his mom (Linda Lavin). Meanwhile, Seth and Ryan sneak some spring break style action. "Joey," 7 p.m., NBC. This whole commitment thing is bothering Joey. He's supposed to be true to Sarah (Madchen Amick) on his TV show, but fulfills his dream of a love scene with Carmen Electra. "Will & Grace," 7:30 p.m., NBC. Grace tries to bond with her aloof dad (Alan Arkin). Meanwhile, Karen might romance the dad's friend (Lee Majors). "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. When a murder is committed inside a home for the violently insane, there are plenty of suspects. "The Apprentice," 8 p.m., NBC. There are four people left, with a challenge that involves designing and selling T-shirts. "The Simple Life: Interns," 8 and 8:30 p.m., Fox. Fox is inserting these reruns instead of a new "Tru Calling." Paris and Nicole work for a circuit board company and for a mechanic. "ER," 9 p.m., NBC. Red Buttons, 86, has gone from a comedian to a terrific drama actor. Here, he returns to a character he played a decade ago; he still believes that Carter caused his wife's death. Meanwhile, Pratt's date with a social worker brings a surprise. "Without a Trace," 9 p.m., CBS. A small-town teen disappears and townspeople have a suspect.
Of Note
