Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE
"Friday Night Lights," 8 p.m., NBC. On a night when every scripted show on the other broadcast networks is a rerun, "Lights" has a superb new hour. The Panthers, last year's state champions, have fallen apart. Their star running back is suspended; their quarterback, now lovesick, is drinking. Coach Taylor glues things together — while his daughter turns jealous over her mom's duty as volleyball coach. Also, quiet Landry finds himself in a love triangle. There are some wonderful moments.
"In Treatment," 7:30 p.m., HBO. Through most of this first week, Paul (Gabriel Byrne) seemed to be the perfect therapist, calm and perceptive. He briefly lost control Thursday; now he turns to his former mentor (Dianne Wiest). She reluctantly becomes his therapist. We soon realize this is an extraordinary show, with deep and flawed characters.
OF NOTE
"Journey to the Center of the Earth," 6-8 p.m., Ion. Here's a second chance to see this new version of the Jules Verne classic. Rick Schroder plays the leader of a mission that descends into a cave and finds a new world.
"Ghost Whisperer," 7 p.m., CBS. An Iraq veteran feels that spirits followed him home.
"Grey's Anatomy," 7 p.m., ABC. The chief's estranged wife rushes to the hospital with her niece. Also, Izzie tells someone about her feelings for George - and is upset by the reaction.
"Gone Country," 6 p.m., CMT/KHON digital 587. Last week's debut was great fun, as country star John Rich brought together mismatched souls, from Diana DeGarmo to Bobby Brown. Tonight, they must make a meal for his Nashville pals, then each sings a song for them.
"Little Man Tate" (1991), 7-9 p.m., MyNetwork. In a late change, this excellent film has been inserted. Jodie Foster directed beautifully and brings subtle realism to a role as the mother of a genius.
"The Incredibles" (2004), 7-9 p.m., Disney Channel. Here's the animated hit about a former superhero and his family, coming out of retirement.
"House," 8 p.m., Fox. A 6-year-old has the same ailment that previously killed a 73-year-old in one day.
"Moonlight," 8 p.m., CBS. To rescue a woman, Mick must walk through the desert, where the sun is deadly to him.
"Monk," 9 p.m., USA Network. Monk tries being an artist, soon (naturally) discovering a mystery.
"Desperate Housewives," 8:02 p.m., ABC. A gay couple moves in. Also, Lynette gets disturbing news.
"Numb3rs," 9 p.m., CBS. A car crashes into a coffee shop. Charlie soon suspects it was no accident.
"Las Vegas," 9 p.m., NBC. It's time for some competition: Piper is up for national concierge of the year; Danny and Mike are in high-stakes, two-on-two basketball.