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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, November 18, 2005

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"Chicago" (2002), 6 and 8:30 p.m., Bravo. Fresh from a recent NBC slot, this terrific movie musical slides over to cable. The 1975 Broadway version was filled with dark wit. Fred Ebb wrote the dialogue with director Bob Fosse and the songs with John Kander; both rippled with cynicism. The story? An unemployed chorus girl suddenly gets attention as a murder suspect. A fast-talking lawyer draws headlines and sympathy. This was based on a real story in 1926, but it seems to fit every generation that revives it. The movie arrived at a time when fame touched anyone from criminals to victims to reality contestants. Renee Zellweger is perfect in the lead, with strong support from Catherine Zeta-Jones, Queen Latifah, Richard Gere and more. Director Rob Marshall gave the whole thing a strong, cinematic look. The result drew five Oscars, including ones for best picture and for Zeta-Jones as supporting actress.

OF NOTE

"Ghost Whisperer," 7 p.m., CBS. Melinda is getting headaches, possibly because a ghost is trying to communicate electronically.

"The Bernie Mac Show," 7 p.m., Fox. Bernie tries a crackdown on the kids' bad behavior. That isn't easy to enforce.

"Malcolm in the Middle," 7:30 p.m., Fox. Lois plans an anniversary dinner only to have it complicated by a power outage. Meanwhile, there are rumors of Malcolm's fling with three girls.

"Hope & Faith," 8 p.m., ABC. Thanksgiving episodes are showing up now. In this one, the sisters' father (Robert Wagner) arrives.

"Numb3rs," 9 p.m., CBS. While Charlie searches for a girl who may have been used by a pornographer, his brother investigates a meth lab explosion that killed an FBI agent.

"Law & Order: Criminal Intent," 9 p.m., NBC. Director Peter Bogdanovich plays someone whose "little black book," filled with damaging information, is auctioned. A murder follows and the suspect includes a woman (Rosanna Arquette) whose husband is mentioned in the book.

"Freestyle" debut, 9:30 p.m., HGTV. Here is the most youthful design show yet to reach HGTV. This first half-hour zips through three living units in three cities. The designers and the clients are young and hip looking. The show allows zero to be spent on anything. The results are generally good with a few exceptions. In the first spot, a young couple has a fondness for video games and TV — but the redesign makes them look sideways to see the set.