Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE
"The Bernie Mac Show," 7 and 7:30 p.m., Fox. In its five years this witty show has often been moved, shelved or ignored. Now it wraps up the season. Enjoy it because we aren't sure if there will be another one. In tonight's first episode, Bernie tries to convince Vanessa of the importance of college. In the second, he has a near-death experience, then passes his wisdom to the kids. The kids are not appreciative.
"10 Days That Unexpectedly Changed America," 5 p.m., History Channel; reruns until 1 a.m. If you missed this terrific series earlier this week you can catch half of it in one chunk. Four talented documentary-makers each tackle one pivotal day. That starts with the British massacre of the Pequot Indians in 1637. The tribe, virtually extinct, has made a remarkable comeback. The second hour views the assassination of President William McKinley. The third follows the California gold rush. The fourth is a jolting look at the armed conflict of the Homestead, Pa., steel strike of 1892 that left men dead and wounded after strikers clashed with Pinkerton guards.
OF NOTE
"The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" (2001), 5 p.m., TBS. Here's a fresh chance to see this masterful movie. Director Peter Jackson gave it epic scope, yet made sure we also cared about the characters. The film won four Oscars.
"Las Vegas," 7 and 8 p.m., NBC. In the first rerun, Wolfgang Puck is opening his new restaurant at the casino. Some patrons are grumbling about ghosts. In the second, an audit shows that $2.9 million is missing — that might be the work of the shady Monica Mancuso (Lara Flynn Boyle).
"The Ghost Whisperer," 7 p.m., CBS. The ghost of a comedian, who committed suicide, seeks help.
"Close to Home," 8 p.m., CBS. A carjacking and kidnapping case depends on witnesses. They suddenly become undependable.
"Numb3rs," 9 p.m., CBS. An agent is killed when a meth lab explodes. The prime suspect escaped and a manhunt begins.
"Conviction," 9 p.m., NBC. A couple of cases seem headed toward convictions — until there are complications. Meanwhile, Finn is wrapped up in a tenant-landlord case.