Posted on: Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Life on a Stick" debut, 8:30 p.m., Fox. Maybe TV has enough high-energy high achievers. It needs a few more guys like Laz and Fred. Both are 18 and fresh from high school. They're close to being clueless and jobless. What they have are jobs at a hot-dog place in the mall. The boss is mean, but one of the female co-workers has a good smile and great hair; for now, that's enough. It's fun to step into this low-expectations world.

Along the way, we meet Laz's daft dad, plus his brother, his stepmother and his often-angry stepsister. Amy Yasbeck, a TV veteran and John Ritter's widow, plays the stepmother. Beyond that, "Life on a Stick" is stuffed with unknowns. They're likable people with good material. This was created by Victor Fresco, who did the terrific "Andy Richter Controls the Universe." Now Fresco has a new, modestly likable universe to control.

Of Note

"Survivor: Palau," 7 p.m., CBS. This is the second of two weeks that bump the show to Wednesdays in order to make room for basketball. Last week, "Survivor" detoured by requiring both teams to oust somebody. Koror dropped Willard Smith, 57, a lawyer who had not been a big factor in its challenge victories; Ulong inexplicably dropped Angie Jakusz, 24, the heavily tattooed bartender who had competed well.

"Lost," 7 p.m., ABC. Yes, it's another rerun. This one looks at Boone's possessive relationship with Shannon.

"American Dreams," 7 p.m., NBC. Jack has a tough time after his older brother's near-fatal accident. So does Henry, who must run their shop alone. Meanwhile, JJ starts his new job, his wife considers mending relations with her dad, and his sisters are up to something.

"The West Wing," 8 p.m., NBC. The Democrats still have a three-way split for the presidential nomination, but Vinick (Alan Alda) has the Republican bid wrapped up. Now he can ponder his general election campaign.