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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, November 8, 2007

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

From left, Liz (Tina Fey), Jared (David Schwimmer) as mascot Greenzo, and Jack (Alec Baldwin) appear in the comedy “30 Rock.”

NBC

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TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"30 Rock," 7:30 p.m., NBC. This is NBC's "green week," when each show is supposed to have an eco-message. Credit this one for following instructions, yet satirizing the idea. The story has parent company GE mandating eco-themes. Jack creates a mascot, Greenzo, who promptly manages to annoy everyone.

"The Deal," 7 p.m., HBO. Back in 1982, this film tells us, two British Parliament newcomers shared an office. In style, they were opposites. Gordon Brown was a Scotsman, forceful and unbending. Tony Blair was a British lawyer, nimble of word and mind. Each would become prime minister, but Blair had the job first, for 13 years. It's a fascinating story that became this 2003 British TV film. That led to the brilliant "The Queen," which had the same gifted writer (Peter Morgan), director (Stephen Frears) and Blair (Michael Sheen). David Morrissey also stars here, as a rock-solid Brown.

OF NOTE

"Ugly Betty," 7 p.m., ABC. Preparing for her glamorous wedding Wilhelmina, worries that her maid of honor (Victoria Beckham) will outshine her. Meanwhile, Betty's dad is happy about finally being a citizen — and unhappy about her moving in with Henry.

"My Name is Earl," 7 p.m., NBC. The "Green Week" comedy push begins with an assignment for Earl. He's supposed to produce the prison show and include an eco-message. Meanwhile, his brother is getting carried away as a guard.

"The Office," 8 p.m., NBC. Ryan takes most of the office gang on an outdoor outing. Michael isn't invited — but plunges outdoors himself.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., and "Without a Trace," 9 p.m., both CBS. Two strong shows combine for a promising mystery. A man is found slain in Las Vegas but six years earlier he had disappeared in New York. Now cops (and shows) combine as Gil Grissom and Jack Malone work the case.

"Grey's Anatomy," 8 p.m., ABC. There's more trouble for Callie, who is bummed by her husband George's affair with Izzie. Callie has been delegating most of her duties to Bailey, endangering her status as chief resident. Meanwhile, there's a new challenge for the George-Izzie romance. Also, Derek grumbles about his just-sex relationship with Meredith.

"Scrubs," 8:30 p.m., NBC. Suddenly inspired, the janitor appoints himself as the hospital's environmental officer.

"ER," 9 p.m., NBC. Yes, there's an eco-message here, too: A rolling brownout saps power in Chicago. Also, Morris buys a Smart Car.