Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE
"24," 7 p.m., Fox. Sunday's season-opener offered a wildly implausible notion: Terrorist bombings had spread across the U.S.; officials inexplicably felt that eliminating one man (Assad) would end it all. A terrorist (Fayed) said he would tell where to find Assad — if officials turned Jack Bauer over to be killed. Bauer freed himself — he always does — in perhaps the most brutal moment in TV history. By then, Bauer knew that Fayed was the true villain. He and Assad began a desperate attempt to find him and prevent a nuclear explosion. That sets up this two-hour powerhouse. There are moments late tonight that push Bauer to new emotional extremes. Despite strained credibility, "24" is a beautifully crafted show, kinetic and emotional.
OF NOTE
"Lincoln Heights," 7 and 10 p.m., ABC Family. This new series balances sharp cops-and-crooks tales with quieter family drama. Tonight's episode, the second, veers off-course a little. The issue is whether Eddie — the cop and father — will be penalized for killing a gunman. The trouble is that the show never creates much of a case against Eddie, making the issue seem overblown. Overlook that flaw and you'll find a solid, well-acted drama.
"The 2007 Golden Globes Awards," 7 p.m., NBC. Lots of well-dressed people will get awards in lots of categories, while some people call it a sign of the Oscars. Also, Warren Beatty gets a career award.
"Jonestown: Paradise Lost," 7 p.m., History Channel. Here's a retelling of the gruesome story of Jim Jones, who created his own city in the jungle of Guyana — then, in 1978, led to the suicides or murders of 908 people. Some of the re-creations with dialogue are unnecessary. Much stronger are the firsthand accounts of four survivors; that includes Jones' son Stephan, who was out of town the day he lost his family and friends.
"The Class," 7:30 p.m., CBS. Ethan sets Kat up on a date with the guy she's been stalking.
"Wildfire," 8 p.m., ABC Family; repeats at 9. This so-so episode involves bull-riding, business deals and a dispute over whether Wildfire is ready to race. Some of the drama is muted because so many characters have near-identical attitudes.
"Two and a Half Men," 8 p.m., CBS. A near-death experience gives Charlie the uncharacteristic notion that he should take care of his mom.
"The New Adventures of Old Christine," 8:30 p.m., CBS. Christine tries to set up her brother with his former girlfriend.