Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE
"Kentucky Derby," 11 a.m., NBC, then "Seabiscuit," 7 p.m., ABC. Thundering horses grab our attention today. NBC has the Derby with two minutes of excitement inside an hour of coverage. Later, ABC has a terrific film based on a true story. Experts said Seabiscuit didn't have a chance. The horse was too small, the jockey was too big. Still, Seabiscuit kept winning, fascinating a Depression-time America that needed diversion. Laura Hillenbrand's book told a sprawling story, which Gary Ross ("Big," "Dave," "Pleasantville") distilled into an emotional script. This was only the second film Ross had directed (after "Pleasantville"). It's an epic period piece, which he captured beautifully. Tobey Maguire stars, with Jeff Bridges as the horse's owner and Chris Cooper as the pensive trainer.
OF NOTE
"Where There's a Will," 6, 8 and 10 p.m., Hallmark Channel. A con man (Frank Whaley) on the run learns he has a rich grandmother (Marion Ross). The rest is both pleasant and predictable.
"Little Einsteins," 8 a.m., Disney Channel. The kids and their rocket get shrunk. There are a few cute moments as they scramble through a too-big world for the solution. The show might please pre-schoolers but does little to interest others.
"Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," 9 a.m., Disney Channel. After premiering in (almost) prime time on Friday, this show settles into its regular spot at 9 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The story is simple but there's definitely a charm to seeing the Disney characters — Mickey, Minnie, Donald, etc. — transformed into computer images. Even parents will find this interesting.
"CSI: NY," 7 p.m., CBS. A teen Russian model dies on the runway in this rerun. Meanwhile, a man claims to have killed his doctor but there are doubts.
"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. In a rerun, a body is found in a chimney, giving police an excuse to search the house. They had earlier suspected its owner in the disappearance of a teen girl.
"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 8 p.m., NBC. A murdered stripper was also a lawyer, living a double life. In this rerun, both of her worlds are investigated.
"Law & Order: Criminal Intent," 9 p.m., NBC. In a rerun, Malcolm McDowell plays a rich man whose son has been killed. There are plenty of suspects, including his wife.
"Saturday Night Live," 10:30 p.m., NBC. Tom Hanks has consistently been one of this show's best guest hosts. He's back tonight. The Red Hot Chili Peppers provide the entertainment.