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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, March 2, 2008

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

This is a undated file photo of the cartoon character Bart Simpson from "The Simpsons" (TM), created by Matt Groening.

20th Century Fox Film Corp.

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TONIGHT'S MIGHT-SEE

"The Wire," 7 p.m., HBO. A great TV series nears its terrific finale. Even if you haven't been watching, jump in today and next Sunday, as two big lies intersect. One is from McNulty, the cop. He pretended that there was a serial killer on the loose to get extra police funding; then he diverted the manpower to chase drug lords. The other involves a newspaper reporter who has been making up interviews. The truth is closing in on both men — as police close in on the dealers.

"Everybody Hates Chris" and "Aliens in America," 8 and 8:30 p.m., CW. As the CW sputters even these clever comedies have wobbled. Now they get a new night. First, Chris gambles some of the money for a family trip. Then Justin has a tenuous approach to a school bully. There are funny moments in this "Aliens," some of them away from the main plot. In particular, Justin's parents stumble over the notion of honesty.

Trumpet Awards, 7-9 p.m., MyNetwork. After years on cable, this special moves to this fledgling network. Think of it as a two days-after conclusion to Black History Month. Samuel Jackson hosts, honoring Halle Berry, Danny Glover, Najee, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges and more. The music should be vibrant. Scheduled are India.Arie, Angie Stone, Peabo Bryson, Common, Keith Sweat, Teddy Riley, Lalah Hathaway and the O'Jays.

OF NOTE

"The Simpsons," 8 p.m., Fox. In a take-off on "The Departed," Bart's gang has a new member — and a snitch.

"quarterlife," 8 p.m., NBC. After a likable debut Tuesday, this series settles into its regular spot. At the core is Dylan, a sensitive young woman, stepping hesitantly into her adult years while blogging about her friends. They have a lot to blog about: Danny and Jed are filmmakers, re-making their commercial while Danny (cheating on his girlfriend) pursues a sexy car saleswoman. Also, Jed volunteers to make a video for Lisa, an aspiring actress.

"Oprah's Big Give" debut, 8 p.m., ABC. The good news is that this reality show has a warm heart and great production values. The bad news is that it doesn't quite work as a game. Tonight, five duos are given families to help; then at least one helper is ousted. They don't know that the last survivor gets $1 million. This hour looks and feels good but the game portion goes nowhere.

"The Human Body," 7 and 9 p.m., Discovery Channel. The opening hour views the amazing things a body can (temporarily) do under pressure; one climber managed to fling a 1,200 pound rock. The second hour studies the sense of sight.

"Unhitched" debut, 9:30 p.m., FOX. This comedy has attractive people — Craig Bierko, Rashida Jones, Shaun Majumder, Johnny Sneed — playing friends who are single or divorcing. The opener is blunt and it isn't clever, however, it may have enough laughs to redeem it.

"Dirt" season opener, 8 p.m., FX. This absurdly melodramatic series wrapped up its first season with Lucy (Courteney Cox), the overbearing gossip-magazine editor, being stabbed. Now she has mellowed only slightly. The same is true of this overblown series.

"Here Come the Newlyweds," 9:02 p.m., ABC. Couples compete in this game show. Be patient, ABC brings back its real Sunday shows April 13.