Posted on: Wednesday, February 2, 2005

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"State of the Union" address, 4 p.m., ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and cable news channels. Remember when life was so simple that no one worried about the union's state? That was long ago. With the nation at war, people are more inclined to pay attention.

"Jack & Bobby," 8 p.m., WB. For those skipping the speech, this is the ideal time to discover a terrific show. Christine Lahti is superb as Grace McCallister, a college professor who wants to push her two sons to greatness. Jack (Matt Long) will die as a young man, this show has told us; his younger brother Bobby (Logan Lerman) will be president of the United States. Tonight, Grace has her annual camping trip with Bobby. She also schemes to have Tom (Bradley Cooper) meet them.

Of Note

"Kevin Hill," 4 p.m., UPN (KIKU). Kevin helps his boss, Jessie (Michael Michele). Her ex-boyfriend wants joint custody of her child — three years after he left them.

"Easy Rider" (1969), 6, 10 p.m., AMC. Here is a movie that defined the 1960s. Dennis Hopper beautifully directed, co-starred (with Peter Fonda) and co-wrote the story of a motorcycle journey. Jack Nicholson is strong in support.

"Lost," 7 p.m., ABC. There's another rerun tonight, but things will get better. A "sweeps" ratings period begins tomorrow, making reruns scarce for four weeks. Tonight, pregnant Claire has nightmares. That brings flashbacks to her days in Australia — and to a psychic, who sees something nasty ahead.

"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox. Yesterday, we saw the final audition highlights. Now it's time to see the semifinalists in Hollywood.

"Auschwitz: Inside the Nazi State" conclusion, 9 p.m., PBS. As the Allies learn of the horrors at Auschwitz they're relatively helpless. Soldiers advance slowly, as the extermination continues. In a final absurdity, the German soldiers force the prisoners to join the retreat, instead of leaving them there to be freed.