Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
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TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE
"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox. Now the show is down to its final 12, and things start to count more. Everyone sings and viewers vote. On Wednesday, one person will be eliminated. Those are key votes. The final 10 people go on the "Idol" tour — months of full employment in front of screaming crowds. By comparison, the people eliminated this week and next week are simply gone.
"Beauty and the Geek" season-opener, 7 p.m., CW/KHON digital 93. Let's credit CW for bravery — or sheer foolishness. Here's a reality show going head-on against the reality champ ("American Idol"), NBC's "Biggest Loser," plus a "High School Reunion" premiere. That could bury a show that tends to be fairly interesting. This time, the structure is different. Instead of splitting into couples, the show is pitting the nine men against the nine women. In a first-episode challenge, the beauties are given makeovers to make them unattractive. Then they go to a bar to see how many phone numbers they can get.
OF NOTE
"Joe Louis: America's Hero ... Betrayed," 4:45 p.m., HBO. Here's a profile of the great fighter and the troubles he faced. Jimmy Carter and Maya Angelou are among the commentators.
"Dawn Anna" (2005), 6 p.m., Lifetime. Yes, there was a time when people made way too many bad movies built around real-life stories. Still there were also some great ones and this is near the top of the list. Debra Winger is terrific as a mother of four who faced a fierce medical crisis — and then another deep tragedy. The result has surprising bursts of humor, plus strong emotion.
"In Treatment," 6:30 p.m. (repeating at 12:10 a.m.), HBO. Blair Underwood has been superb as Alex, the bomber pilot who must keep up an image of control. Last week, he came as close as he does to breaking down. Tonight, he relates two stories that show what may be his biggest fear — simply not mattering.
"The Biggest Loser," 7 p.m., NBC. We're down to the final six now — or maybe not. All of the eliminated people return. The two who lost the most weight at home will be back in the competition.
"One Tree Hill," 8 p.m., CW/KHON digital 93. Lucas and Lindsey are on the eve of their wedding day when they try to help another couple. Also, Rachel and two others arrive.
"According to Jim," 8 and 8:30 p.m., ABC. In a new episode, Jim makes a playroom for himself instead of for his kids. Then, in a rerun, Jim's troubles with women are discussed with God ... who is, of course, played by Lee Majors.
"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. This rerun has a teen-age girl killed. The investigation soon goes into the world of ultimate fighting. One suspect is played by Gaius Charles, who plays the star running back on "Friday Night Lights."