Posted on: Monday, February 28, 2005

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"The Bachelorette," 7 p.m., and "Bachelorette: After the Final Rose," 9 p.m., ABC. Jen Schefft is the sort of vibrant soul viewers root for. Andrew Firestone chose her in "The Bachelor," but that fizzled. Now "Bachelorette" has her in charge. Schefft, 28, is down to her final two guys. Jerry, 29, is a Los Angeles art gallery owner; the other, John Paul, 25,is an Oklahoma City entrepreneur. ABC says Schefft will get proposals from both men tonight. During the 9 p.m. portion, which is live, we'll find out which one she'll accept.

"Summerland" return, 8 p.m., WB. This bright, blue-sky series got off to a solid start during summer. Now it has a fresh batch, borrowing the "Evergreen" slot. Ava (Lori Loughlin) is sleek, smart and stylish. She's been juggling two guys while raising her late sister's three kids. The kids are from Kansas, so their California beach life seems exotic. That's especially true of Bradin (Jesse McCartney), a handsome teen who's obsessed with surfing. This new batch of episodes will sharpen his conflict with his aunt.

Of Note

"Fear Factor," 7 p.m., NBC. Here's a clever way to feast on other networks. This expanded hour includes former reality-show contestants, one of whom is Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth of "The Apprentice." Others are Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca from CBS' "Survivor," Nikki McKibbin from Fox's first "American Idol" and Ryan Sutter from ABC's "The Bachelorette" — with his wife, Trista, rooting for him.

"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox. Here are new reality stars in the making; 10 contestants sing.

"24," 8 p.m., Fox. The biggest flaw of this well-made show is its tendency toward torture. Tonight, that's a possibility everywhere. Jack has Audrey's estranged husband at gunpoint. Tony has Dina, the wife of a terrorist leader.

"Everybody Loves Raymond," 8 p.m., CBS. Nearing its finale, this terrific show offers the five episodes viewers picked as the best. Tonight, we learn which was No. 5.