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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Ron Tappy examines the Tel Zayit abecedary in "Nova: The Bible's Buried Secrets," which examines the beginnings of modern religion.

Providence Pictures

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TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"Nova: The Bible's Buried Secrets," 8 p.m., PBS. Powerful forces — science, history and faith — link in this well-crafted documentary. Historians have found little support for some Bible stories, including Joshua toppling the walls of Jericho. But others get fresh support. There are references to Israelites and a House of David, 1,000 years BC. An excavation indicates a literate royal court of David and Solomon. With rich photography and intelligent commentary, this pulls us into ancient times.

TONIGHT'S MIGHT-SEE

"Eli Stone," 9:02 p.m., ABC. The new, idealistic law firm has quick financial problems. There's even a mole, sending clients to the competition. A fresh plan involves an experimental clinic, with medicinal marijuana for sick kids, including a billionaire's son. Then Eli faces an ethical dilemma.

OF NOTE

"Dancing With the Stars," 7 and 8 p.m., ABC. First is a recap of performances. Then the field is trimmed to three.

"House," 7 p.m., Fox. A parentless teen gets help from the team. Meanwhile, Foreman works on a case of his own.

"The IFC Media Project" debut, 3 and 6 p.m., IFC (Oceanic Digital Channel 675). On one level, this show asks important questions. With thousands of missing people, for instance, why does the media obsess on a few white women and girls? Still, this shares a common media fault: It's strong on flash and fun, weak on specifics.

"Extreme Trains," 8 p.m., History Channel. A super train rushes from the Los Angeles port to Dallas, helping bring goods to stores and unemployment to American workers. Matt Bown, the host, shouts a lot and seems terribly happy.

"The Mentalist," 8 p.m., CBS. Patrick Jane suspects that a psychic is a killer. He'll try to trap him by holding a seance.

"Shipwreck: Captain Kidd," 7 p.m., National Geographic. In shallow water off a small island in the Dominican Republic, scientists study pieces of a ship that was apparently commanded by the legendary Captain Kidd. This "Expedition Week" special also follows his career, from respected privateer to hanged pirate.

"Brothers to Brutha," 8:30 p.m., BET (Oceanic Digital Channel 598). This reality show follows Brutha, a singing group that has the Harrell guys — five brothers and half-brothers in south central Los Angeles. They are talented and attractive, but some viewers will be turned off by toxic encounters. Donny "Drano" Harrell, their uncle and manager, turns everything into abrasive drama.

"Frank TV," 9 p.m., TBS. This starts with a wonderful bit in which Jay Leno's final show has the worst guests imaginable. After that, however, it fades into so-so moments.