Posted on: Thursday, March 17, 2005

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"NCAA Basketball Tournament: First-round games," 7 a.m., 2 p.m., CBS. The NCAA tournament is starting as 64 teams vie for the national title on April 4 in St. Louis. That means crowded days, high energy and high stakes. There's a doubleheader in the afternoon, a pause so local stations can make money, and another doubleheader at night. That continues Friday with the second round on Saturday and Sunday. It's fun.

"The Hollow Men," 8:30 p.m., Comedy Central. Last week's opener was terrific, and this one is even better. The quick, little gags tend to be fairly lame and juvenile. The longer sketches, however, are wonderful. Consider a poker game in which we can hear all the thoughts — some rather maniacal. Consider a board meeting in which businessmen convince each other that only homosexuals like pork. Then savor a court scene, culminating in a song about the fact that everyone is a lawyer. At moments like that, this British group nears the Monty Python level.

Of Note

"Jake in Progress," 7 and 7:30 p.m., ABC. After premiering with two good episodes Sunday, this show settles into its regular slot. Like "Sex and the City," it's an attractive show, filmed in New York amid the stylish dating life of its protagonist. John Stamos plays a guy trying to get serious after years of womanizing. In the first episode he takes a famous actress to a party put on by a rival. In the second he helps an actress who wants to end a relationship.

"Will & Grace," 7 and 7:30 p.m., NBC. In the first episode, Jack and Will want to buy a vacation home in a trendy gay spot — then get it all wrong. The second has Grace meeting Val (Molly Shannon) at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and Jack getting a job at the new gay cable network.

"The O.C.," 7 p.m., Fox. Marissa has renewed her friendship with Ryan and this makes her girlfriend, Alex, fret.

"The Apprentice," 8 p.m., NBC. The show pauses to offer scenes not shown previously. That includes audition tapes and plus Verna's last meeting with Donald Trump.

"ER," 9 p.m., NBC. Here's a rerun of the action-filled season opener. Pratt's car plunges into the Chicago River with Chen and Elgin also inside. Rescue attempts are crucial at the site and at the hospital. Meanwhile, Sam and her son flee from her former boyfriend.