Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE
"Grey's Anatomy," 8 p.m., ABC. After pausing for a few weeks of reruns and recaps, the show finally is back with a new episode. This focuses on relationships: Meredith and Derek question theirs; Cristina struggles to revive hers (with Burke). Izzie feels past pain and is comforted by George. And in one that many viewers saw coming, Alex is becoming increasingly attached to "Jane Doe," who lost her memory and her facial features in the ferryboat disaster.
"Mom at Sixteen" (2005), 6 p.m., Lifetime; or "Shark," 9 p.m., CBS. Danielle Panabaker has emerged as a terrific actor at 19. These days, she plays the daughter of the intense Stark (James Woods) in "Shark." Tonight, Stark faces his former protegee (Natasha Henstridge) in a murder case. Before that, she had supporting roles in many shows (including HBO's classy "Empire Falls" miniseries) and starring roles in two movies, "Search For David's Heart" and this one. Panabaker plays a teen, overwhelmed by raising her baby. Mercedes Ruehl plays her mom, in a solid and well-played drama.
OF NOTE
"Red Dawn" (1984), 5 p.m., AMC. Back in the "evil empire" years, this film made an impact, with small-town teens fighting invaders. It may feel dated now, but director John Milius got good performances from Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell, Lea Thompson, Charlie Sheen and more.
"Ugly Betty," 7 p.m., ABC. Daniel falls into his old ways, leaving Betty working overtime.
"My Name is Earl," 7 p.m., NBC. Norm MacDonald, formerly of "Saturday Night Live," plays a mean chap called Little Chubby. His dad, the richest man in the county, has died; now the son returns to take over.
"My Girl" (1991), 8 p.m., ABC Family. Anna Chlumsky is charming as an 11-year-old whose widowed dad (Dan Aykroyd) is preoccupied. It's a gentle story with surprisingly serious moments.
"The Office," 7:30 p.m., NBC. In a rerun, Michael is back from his vacation and happy — for a moment. Meanwhile, Jim and Karen fight, with Pam caught in the middle.
"30 Rock," 8 p.m., NBC. Liz is a big-city, big-network person. Now Floyd considers moving to the Midwest and wants her to come along. Meanwhile, Jack falls quickly for an auctioneer.
"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. In a rerun, a dying woman is killed; then the killer returns with a replica of the crime scene.
"Scrubs," 8:30 p.m., NBC. In a change from the usual style, three of the supporting characters, Ted, Todd and Jordan, help with the narrating. Each has a story to tell.
"ER," 9 p.m., NBC. Robert Prosky plays a man shattered by his son's heart troubles. Meanwhile, Abby and Gates deal with the complications of raising a baby.
"October Road," 9 p.m., ABC. When we last saw the show (two weeks ago), the housebound Physical Phil invited the charming pizza girl over for a date. Now she's been harassed by students and he wants revenge. Meanwhile, Nick and Hannah fret as Sam undergoes surgery.