Posted on: Thursday, January 6, 2005

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Committed," 7:30 p.m., NBC. In Tuesday's opener, two offbeat souls began a romance. Marni (Jennifer Finnigan) tends to like everyone; Nate (Josh Cooke) is steeped in suspicion. Now he suspects that her paraplegic friend Todd has cynicism beneath his cheery tone. Josh hesitantly brings some work to Todd and includes him in a basketball game. The results are hilarious. There are also some fun detours: Marnie's friend spies on the mailman and her live-in clown (really) gets a long-distance pie in the face.

"Wickedly Perfect" debut, 7 p.m., CBS. This reality show begins with a dozen tasteful types assembled in a country mansion. Their first challenge is to create things with apples. Then the results are judged by hair stylist David Evangelista, chef Bobby Flay and "Sex and the City" columnist Candace Bushnell. The result is a weak substitute for "Survivor," which is loaning its time slot. Still, it's a reasonably fast, fun show that hopes to find the next Martha Stewart.

Of Note

"Joey," 7 p.m., NBC. In the previous episode, we had a fun glimpse of Lucy Liu as Joey's boss on the "Deep Powder" TV series. Tonight, she emphasizes a good rule for actors: Don't seduce the actress who plays your daughter.

"The O.C.," 7 p.m., Fox. In the previous episode — a terrific one — Lindsey learned that Caleb (Seth's grandfather) is her illegitimate father. Tonight, she wonders if it's incestuous to romance Ryan, who is treated as Seth's brother. The next explosion comes when Marissa finds that her divorced parents are having an affair.

"North Shore," 8 p.m., Fox. Tessa, who has had a shady past, meets an old acquaintance.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. When a Sherlock Holmes buff is murdered, three of his colleagues are suspects.

"Will & Grace," 8 and 8:30 p.m., NBC. In the first episode, Jeff Goldblum plays Karen's old high school enemy who is now trying to take over her company. In the second, a rerun, Jack is a back-up dancer for Janet Jackson.

"Medium," 9 p.m., NBC. After premiering Monday, this show borrows the "ER" time slot. Allison (Patricia Arquette), who is psychic, helps pick jurors for a murder trial.