Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE
"Great Performances: Company," 9 p.m., PBS. When Stephen Sondheim's witty musical reached Broadway in 1970, it received waves of praise and six Tony awards. Now here's the production that won a best-revival Tony. It remains wonderfully witty. Raśl Esparza is subtly perfect as Bobby, remaining calm and single on his 35th birthday. Around him, friends quake; Heather Laws is especially good as a reluctant bride. This started as 11 one-act plays by George Furth, then it was weaved with Sondheim songs. The result is great fun.
OF NOTE
"Bernard and Doris" (2008), 5:15 p.m., HBO. Gifted actors portray complex, real-life people. Susan Sarandon is heiress Doris Duke, with Ralph Fiennes as her butler.
"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox. The 12 women sing, bringing rich variety. There's Amanda Overmyer, the rocker-biker-nurse. And Kristy Lee Cook, the beautiful horse rancher. And Carly Smithson, the tattooed Irish immigrant. And Asia'h Epperson, who sang beautifully two days after her father's death. And eight more, many of them both quirky and talented. Tonight, viewers start to decide.
"Law & Order: Criminal Intent," 8 p.m., NBC. The murder of a dentist and the death of his patient set up a probe.
"In Treatment," 7:30 p.m., HBO. Last week's episode (rerunning at 9) was a chilling insight into Sophie, a gymnast. Tonight, a bit melodramatically, come aftershocks.
"Law & Order," 9 p.m., NBC. Was a doctor killed by scam artists? Or were the killers looking for someone else?
"Cashmere Mafia," 9 p.m, ABC. A billionaire is pursuing Juliet (Miranda Otto), to take over her hotel corporation. Meanwhile, Caitlin (Bonnie Somerville) is pressured to score big in Fashion Week.
"Project Runway," 8 p.m., Bravo. Next week, the Fashion Week finale begins. (See reruns at 6 and 7 p.m.) First, however, there's this reunion special, which repeats at 9 p.m.