Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
TODAY'S MUST-SEE
"Masterpiece: Emma," 8 p.m., PBS. After a long pledge break, PBS returns to its "Complete Jane Austen" series. "Emma" is a bubbly little tale, nimbly adapted by Andrew Davies. Kate Beckinsale plays a sweet spirit who only wants to make a match for her orphaned protege (Samantha Morton). The story was written in 1816, but remains interesting; it was borrowed by "Clueless." The cast is young and talented.
OF NOTE
"Forrest Gump" (1994), 1:30- p.m., AMC; "Sound of Music" (1965), 7 p.m., ABC Family. Here's one more chance to catch two classics; both won Oscars for best picture.
"In Her Shoes," 4 p.m., FX. A bikini beauty, temporarily living in a retirement complex? That's a set-up in this slender-but-entertaining tale, with good work from Cameron Diaz and Shirley MacLaine.
"Joan Crawford: The Ultimate Movie Star," 2 p.m., TCM. Over-the-top in her life and her work, Crawford seemed to define Hollywood ambitions. She won an Oscar and was later mocked by her daughter's "Mommie Dearest."
"Cold Case," 7:59 p.m., CBS. A 14-year-old math genius was killed, after his brother sold his skills to crooks.
"John Adams," 6 p.m., HBO. As the revolution raged, Adams was sent to France, to scramble for military support. He was overwhelmed by the eccentricities of the nobility — and of Ben Franklin (gleefully played by Tom Wilkinson). This chapter is interesting, but flawed, unclear about Adams' impact.
"Here Come the Newlyweds," 9:02 p.m., ABC. Two weeks from its finale, the show is down to four couples.