Posted on: Friday, May 27, 2005

Tube Notes

Mike Hughes,
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Complete Savages," 7:30 p.m., ABC. We're ready to embrace anything that isn't a rerun. Now "Complete Savages" is back. It won't return in the fall, but it's pleasant enough and has some new episodes left. The show has Keith Carradine as Nick Savage, a firefighter who is raising five teenage sons alone. There are lots of cliches and loud jokes here, but it's still fun to watch guys try to navigate life without some modifying female wisdom. On a post-season Friday, "Savages" will keep us amused.

"Mulan" (1998), 8 and 9:40 p.m., Disney Channel. The story, based on an old legend, is so-so, at best: A girl takes her father's place in the Imperial Army. Naturally, she falls for a guy, but can't blow her disguise. What makes "Mulan" special is its look. Disney animators created sweeping visions, resembling classic Chinese paintings. Visually, at least, "Mulan" is wonderful.

Of Note

"Enterprise," 4 and 5 p.m., UPN (KIKU). If you missed the series finale, here's another chance. It's seen through the future eyes of Cmdr. William Riker (Jonathan Frakes) of "Star Trek: The Next Generation." That's followed by a rerun involving the inventor of the transporter.

"Me, Myself and Irene" (2000), 7 p.m., Fox. Jim Carrey plays a quiet cop who suddenly has a brash alter ego. The bad news is that this gives him way too much opportunity to do Jim Carrey things. The good news is that Renee Zellweger plays the love interest.

"Joan of Arcadia," 7 p.m., CBS. This show and "JAG" won't be back in the fall, but fans can catch some summer reruns. Tonight, Joan's parents give depositions for the lawsuit against them.

"8 Simple Rules," 7 p.m., ABC. In this rerun, Bridget isn't happy that her mom is hosting a post-prom party.

"Hope & Faith," 8 p.m., ABC. Charley finally has had enough of his sister-in-law's irresponsible behavior. When she returns from India, Faith (Kelly Ripa) is told she must move out.

"The Man in the Iron Mask" (1998), 8 p.m., Pax TV. Here is an epic retelling of the classic tale, complete with nasty king, noble musketeers and persecuted prisoner. It did so-so business at the box office, despite a cast that included Leonardo DiCaprio (fresh from "Titanic"), John Malkovich, Jeremy Irons and even Hugh Laurie, now starring in the TV series "House."

"JAG," 8 p.m., CBS. A Marine was killed by a member of the Iraqi Civil Defense. The next task is determining if it was an accident or murder.

"Numb3rs," 9 p.m., CBS. Charlie must figure out where a terrorism-type illness started.

"Law & Order: Trial by Jury," 9 p.m., NBC. Here is a rerun of one of this show's better episodes, sparked by Lorraine Bracco of "The Sopranos." She plays an ambitious lawyer, working with a neighborhood that is irate when a convicted pedophile moves in. From there, the complications build.