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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, December 9, 2007

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Zooey Deschanel stars in the Oz-inspired miniseries "Tin Man," which the Sci Fi Channel will replay altogether tomorrow.

ART STREIBER | Associated Press

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TODAY'S MUST-SEE

"1968," 7 p.m., History Channel. The year 1968 was epic and operatic. There were the wrenching tragedies of Vietnam, drugs and the slaying of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy. There was the glow of civil rights, women's rights and youthful freedom. Tom Brokaw had the ideal viewpoint. From a blue-collar, South Dakota family, he became an NBC reporter in chaotic California; he saw all sides vividly. This superb documentary visits prominent people (Bruce Springsteen, Andrew Young, Pat Buchanan) and regular folks who were caught in a great sweep of history.

"For One More Day," 8 p.m., ABC. There are plenty of flaws in this story of a weary alcoholic (Michael Imperioli) and his passionate mother (Ellen Burstyn). It is too one-note; the plot seems too manipulated. Still, writer Mitch Albom put a strong, human story at the core, with enough surprises to keep us watching and caring.

OF NOTE

"Tin Man," 3 p.m., Sci Fi Channel. If you missed this miniseries Dec. 2-4, here's a chance to catch it in one burst. There are plenty of flaws: The story, a "Wizard of Oz" variation, is too long, with too many detours and too flat a portrayal of its central character. Still, there's a great supporting cast (including Richard Dreyfuss and Alan Cumming), a rich look and a giant story.

"Lonesome Dove," 6 p.m., Ion. Here's the second half of a great miniseries. Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones play former Texas Rangers, on a massive cattle drive to Montana.

"The Simpsons," 8 p.m., Fox. In this rerun, Homer takes a job as a tow-truck driver.

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" 6 p.m., Cartoon Network. Dr. Seuss' terrific story was beautifully directed by Chuck Jones.

"Holiday in Handcuffs," 8 and 10 p.m., ABC Family. This may be one of the silliest notions ever concocted for a Christmas movie: A young woman (Melissa Joan Hart) is so desperate to impress her family during the holiday that she brings a handsome hunk (Mario Lopez) by gunpoint. It's an absurd notion, but Hart sometimes makes it appealing.

"Rich Bride, Poor Bride" season-opener, 9 p.m., WE. This reality show has wedding planners face challenges on a budget. In this episode, a couple wants a massive Italian wedding, with a gothic twist.

"Cold Case," 8 p.m., CBS. The team feels a 1945 murder may have been related to the victim's time in an internment camp.

"What's With That Decked Out Christmas House?" 9 p.m., HGTV. This views people who go way beyond the ordinary to dress their homes for Christmas.