Posted on: Tuesday, March 22, 2005

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Scrubs," 7:43 p.m. and 8:22 p.m., NBC. Here are two of the "supersized" episodes. Both are reruns with super talent Michael J. Fox. He plays an esteemed doctor who has an obsessive compulsive disorder. In the first episode, he dazzles the others and wins a battle-of-wits with his old colleague, Dr. Cox. In the second, Elliot wants his advice. She soon learns people are more interested in the "epiphany toilet" installed by the janitor.

"The Shield," 8 p.m., FX. No one expected Capt. David Aceveda to leave quietly. On his last day at the station, before joining the city council, he blocks plans, steals credit and takes some parting shots at Vic. We also see a disturbing new side of him. That happens during an unsettling hour. Still, there's the redeeming power of the new captain (Glenn Close) and of Vic (Michael Chiklis), whose effort to help an old friend takes some dark turns.

Of Note

"Rocky" (1976), 6 p.m., AMC. With Sylvester Stallone currently hosting NBC's "The Contender" on Sundays, it's good to revisit the movie that revived the boxing film genre. Stallone wrote and stars. It's a simple tale, propelled by John Avildsen's kinetic direction and Bill Conti's stirring score.

"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox. Last week, voters correctly put Mikalah Gordon and Lindsey Cardinale at the bottom. Cardinale was ousted; Gordon survived. Tonight, the 11 survivors perform.

"Will & Grace," 7 p.m., NBC. "Supersizing" night begins with this rerun. As Grace fumes about her break-up with Leo, Karen wants Jack to deliver her new song ("I Hurt, Too") to Jennifer Lopez.

"Atlantis: The Lost Empire" (2001), 8 p.m., Disney Channel. This must be Michael J. Fox night. In addition to the two "Scrubs" episodes, Fox stars in this animated movie, about a young dreamer in search of the underwater Atlantis.

"According to Jim," 8 p.m., ABC. As a spelling bee champ, Gracie faces a tough grind.

"House," 8 p.m., Fox. Can Dr. House save a man who was scheduled to be a key witness?

"Rodney," 8:30 p.m., ABC. Rodney gives into temptation and secretly works for his friend's competitor.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. When a 12-year-old hospital patient is found to be pregnant, the investigation turns to a cult leader.