Tube Notes
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
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TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE
"The Book of Daniel," 7 p.m., NBC. This fascinating show debuted Friday against tough competition. If you missed it, here's a second chance. At the core is Aidan Quinn as an Episcopalian priest, a decent man with flaws. Like the lead character in "House," he overuses a prescription painkiller, apparently Vicodin; unlike Dr. House, he feels guilty about it, even getting imaginary lectures from Jesus. There are bigger issues nearby: alcoholism, drug-dealing, infidelity, embezzling, prejudice and Alzheimer's disease. Also, one of his sons keeps taunting the other, who would prefer to keep his homosexuality a secret. All of that is clearly too much, too fast. Still, "Daniel" holds our interest. Quinn is a solid, no-nonsense actor who remains believable in any situation. He's surrounded by the steep talent of Susanna Thompson as his wife, Ellen Burstyn as his boss and the gifted Alison Pill as his daughter. There's also redeeming warmth and humor, especially in the chats with an immensely likable Jesus.
OF NOTE
Football, 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., ABC. The pro playoffs begin. On Sunday, CBS and Fox get their turns.
"Enough" (2002), 7 p.m., CBS. Jennifer Lopez plays an abused woman, on the run with her daughter and finally ready to fight back.
"Moving Images Salutes Ron Howard," 7 p.m., Bravo. Lots of stars — including Tom Hanks and Jim Carrey — show up in a Museum of Moving Images tribute to Ron Howard, a good actor who became a great director and producer.
"Murder 101," 7, 9, 11 p.m., Hallmark Channel. This cable channel introduces a new crime-solving character, a criminology professor played by Dick Van Dyke — a favorite of mystery fans from his "Diagnosis Murder" series.
"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. In this rerun, a black youth has been killed; the case involves a white-supremacist group.
"Saturday Night Live," 10:30 p.m., NBC. This rerun has Eva Longoria of "Desperate Housewives" as host and Korn as the musical guest.
TONIGHT ON KHNL NEWS 8
Get the latest news and weather at 6 and 10 from News 8's Diane Ako and Paul Drewes, plus sports with Reid Shimizu.