Posted on: Friday, March 18, 2005

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

"Medical Investigation," 8 p.m., NBC. After being shoved aside for weeks, this above-average show is back with the first half of its season finale. Expect the usual medical mystery plus some action. The team has zoomed into a Central American country to fight an epidemic. There are other problems, including an earthquake and a jungle insurrection. While some of the people are held hostage, others try to save lives at a battered clinic.

"The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" debut, 7 and 7:30 p.m., Disney Channel. Dylan and Cole Sprouse play 12-year-old identical twins, which they are in real life. In this fictional setting, they live in a swanky hotel where their single mom is the singer. The setup gives them a swimming pool, a game room and a teen candy-counter girl who doubles as their baby sitter and foil.

Of Note

"NCAA Basketball Tournament: First-round games," 7 a.m., 2 p.m., CBS. Here's the second half of the NCAA tournament's first-round games. The specifics may vary in some markets, so check local listings. But generally, there's a doubleheader in the afternoon and another at night.

"The Bernie Mac Show," 7 and 7:30 p.m., Fox. In the first episode, Bernie hires an assistant after his wife botches travel plans. In the second, he leaves a family vacation to party with the guys.

"What Not To Wear: The Worst Dressed Couple in America," 8, 11 p.m., TLC. There were lots of people to choose from. The final competition involves three couples with looks that can be described as hippie, biker and punk. The winning couple gets a $10,000 wardrobe.

"Law & Order: Trial by Jury," 9 p.m., NBC. After a young woman has been raped and killed, prosecutors try to break through the stonewalling of three suspects.

"Monk," 10 p.m., USA Network. Monk is convinced that a business mogul threw his young mistress from his 21st-floor balcony. The guy, however, seems to have proof that he was running a marathon at the time.