Posted on: Thursday, February 17, 2005

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Survivor: Palau," debut, 7 p.m., CBS. TV's best-made reality show starts its 10th edition. It has slightly more contestants than usual (20, instead of 16 or 18), but keeps other elements similar.

Again, it has a Pacific setting. Palau has 83 islands, CBS says, just north of the equator; its waters were sites of World War II battles.

And again, it has variety.

The youngest person is Jeff Wilson, 21, a personal trainer from Ventura, Calif. The oldest are Wanda Shirk, 55, an English teacher from Ulysses, Pa., and Willard Smith, 57, a lawyer from Bellevue, Wash.

The list includes the usual jobs populated by the young and social. It has waiters, students and salespeople, plus a bartender, a hair stylist, a nanny, a dolphin trainer and a Las Vegas showgirl.

There are three lawyers, a steelworker and a firefighter.

Of Note

"The O.C.," 7 p.m., Fox. Kirsten is increasingly upset that her husband's ex-girlfriend (Kim Delaney) has wedged back into his life. Meanwhile, Caleb's plan to officially adopt his daughter Lindsay brings complications.

"Joey," 7 p.m., NBC. Joey is supposed to be a presenter for the soap-opera awards. Naturally, he finds that difficult. Meanwhile, his nephew tries to work out at a gym.

"Will & Grace," 7:30 p.m., NBC. Here's more guest-star power. Luke Perry plays a bird-lover. Karen hooks him up with Jack. Edward Burns returns as a handsome greeting-card writer; Grace has her first date with him but wants Will to come along.

"The Apprentice," 8 p.m., NBC. The two teams each create a mobile business.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. The murder of a prominent casino owner brings a combined investigation by two teams.

"Primetime," 8 p.m., ABC. Current plans call for "Michael Jackson's Secret World," a special about the pop star.

"ER," 9 p.m., NBC. Cynthia Nixon guests as a mother of three. Her stroke-like symptoms require her husband to make a tough decision. Meanwhile, Carter's new romantic interest makes him choose between her and the African doctor he also loves.