Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
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TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE
"Christina Aguilera: Back to Basics Tour," 8 p.m., VHI. As soon as the first note emerges we're reminded of the obvious: Aguilera is one amazingly gifted singer. She has incredible vocal power and, at 27, knows how to use it. This concert, taped in Australia, has her old hits and a few new songs — backed by a great band and zesty dancers. The only flaw is the lack of variety. Only near the end does Aguilera soften slightly for "Beautiful." A great song is done with quiet passion.
Figure Skating, 7 p.m., NBC. The U.S. Championships: ladies free program.
OF NOTE
"Pretty Woman" (1990), 7 p.m., ABC. The notion here — a rich, handsome guy picks up a hooker and they fall in love — is absurd. Still, it's executed beautifully by Julia Roberts and director Garry Marshall.
"Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials 2008," 7 p.m., CBS. The game is still eight days away, but here are some of the commercials that have debuted during previous ones.
"Miss America Live 2008," 8 p.m., TLC. The classic pageant, once a hit on the big networks, has moved to a new cable channel.
"Minutemen, 8 p.m., Disney. A show that premiered yesterday gets an instant rerun. "Minutemen" is OK, after a so-so start.
"Daniel's Daughter," 7 p.m., Hallmark Channel. A prosperous magazine editor (Laura Leighton) returns to her little hometown to spread her dad's ashes. The story is predictable and a stretch, but this film makes up for it with Leighton's subtle performance and the warm use of its setting.
"Torchwood" season opener, 9 p.m., BBC America/KHON digital 341. In the season finale, Captain Jack Harkness disappeared. He shows up now, but so does Captain John Hart, his former partner. As played by James Marsters (Spike on both "Buffy" and "Angel"), he's cunning, creepy and fascinating.