Posted on: Tuesday, March 1, 2005

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"NYPD Blue: A Final Tribute" and "NYPD Blue" finale, 8 and 9 p.m., ABC. One of TV's great series says farewell tonight. First is an overview. Steve McPherson, the ABC president, says it will have "a real sense of the journey that has gone on here, specifically for Sipowicz's character." Over 12 seasons Andy Sipowicz — perfectly played by Dennis Franz — has survived alcoholism and the deaths of a wife, a son and two police partners. Now the show is putting him in charge.

Last week Lt. Bale — only partially recovered from wounds — recommended that Sipowicz get his job. The chief reluctantly agreed. That apparently happens at a tough time. Still chasing the guy who shot Bale, Sipowicz deadlocks with his superiors. Others will have their moments.

OF LOCAL NOTE

"Heroes," 8:30 p.m., OC 16. On the day his third CD, "In Between Dreams" hits record stores, North Shore singer/songwriter Jack Johnson is featured for his Kokua Hawai'i Foundation work. Johnson founded the O'ahu-based nonprofit, which encourages environmental education in public schools.

OF NOTE

"America's Next Top Model," 5 p.m., UPN (KIKU). Yes, this seems like an all-reality night. Here, we get an update on the people from the show's third edition.

"My Wife and Kids," 7 p.m., ABC. Michael launches a grand renovation so he can turn the garage into a fancy place for his grandchild.

"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox. Ten more singers compete, and the results come tomorrow.

"The Amazing Race" debut, 8 p.m., CBS. A new round begins for this series, which has piled up awards and strong ratings lately. This one includes the first mother-son duo and the first reality-celebrity duo with Amber Brkich and Rob Mariano of "Survivor."

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. For the second time, there's a battle of brainpower between Stabler (Chris Meloni) and a suspect Gordon Rickett (Matthew Modine). Stabler knows Rickett is a rapist and a killer, but can he prove it?

"Nashville Star" season opener, 10 p.m., USA Network. The good news is that there's great music tonight as 10 contestants vie for a recording contract. Host LeAnn Rimes and a terrific batch of country singers provide great music. The bad news is that each song (except Rimes') is trimmed absurdly. But it's still a fun hour.