Posted on: Thursday, March 10, 2005
Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"The Hollow Men" debut, 8:30 p.m., Comedy Central. At Mission Control, the excitement builds: Man is about to walk on the moon. In space, the astronauts are munching pizzas and chilling. It's scary to actually be on the moon, so they'll just say they're doing it. Alas, one astronaut is an inept liar, and things soon go bad. Welcome to the latest comedy import. Four young Londoners who met at Cambridge University have a great sense for nonsense humor.
At its best, the opener has the brilliance of England's Monty Python or Canada's New Kids on the Block; at its worst, it's just another sketch show. It starts with a weak "Antique Roadshow" gag and ends with a musical number that takes nonsense to overload. In between, some of the sketches are hilarious. "Survivor: Palau," 7 p.m., CBS. It's time to oust the sixth person. "The O.C.," 7 p.m., Fox. Shortly after reviving their romance, Seth and Summer have a new situation. They've accidentally been locked in a mall. Meanwhile, the marriage of Seth's parents keeps being tested. Earlier, his dad's ex-love showed up. Now his mom will work with a handsome newcomer played by Billy Campbell of "Once and Again." "The Apprentice," 8 p.m., NBC. The teams are trying to convince music stars (Eve, Lil Jon, Gene Simmons, Moby, Fat Joe, Simple Plan, and Barenaked Ladies) to help them with a fund-raising concert. "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. A 12-year-old boy has apparently been killed in his bed while his parents slept nearby. In another case, a stewardess has been raped and murdered in a cheap hotel. "Without a Trace," 9 p.m., CBS. When a real estate agent disappears, the investigation leads to a slavery and prostitution ring. "The Contender," 9 p.m., NBC. Monday's opener ended with a surprise. Alfonso Gomez, a near-unknown, challenged powerhouse Peter Manfredo who is undefeated and ranked No. 3 in the world. Gomez won, offering an instant sign that anything could happen. Now, with 15 contenders left, we have the second round. "Power Girls" debut, 10:30 p.m., MTV. Lizzie Grubman is perhaps best known for backing a luxury SUV into a crowd at a trendy nightspot. She was sentenced to jail time and community service. And the woman who specializes in promoting celebrities became a celebrity of sorts. This reality show focuses on her carriage-trade publicity firm.
Of Note
