Today on TV

Published: Friday, Feb. 13 2004 12:00 a.m. MST

Amber and Russ Tamblyn

The Perfect Husband: The Laci Peterson Story (6 and 9 p.m., USA): Everyone involved in this TV movie ought to be ashamed. Scott Peterson has yet to go to trial in the murder of his wife. I'm in no position to judge his guilt or innocence, but USA (or any other TV outlet) has no business producing and airing a movie that "establishes" his guilt before the legal system has had a chance to render a judgment. Aired after the trial, this would be tawdry; aired before the trial, this is reprehensible.

Joan of Arcadia (7 p.m., Ch. 2): It's father-daughter night. Amber Tamblyn, who stars as Joan, is joined by her father, Russ Tamblyn. His long list of acting credits includes "The Boy with Green Hair" (way back in 1948, when he was 14), the original "Father of the Bride" in 1950, "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," "Peyton Place," "West Side Story" and, more recently, "Twin Peaks" and a stint on "Days of Our Lives." In tonight's episode, the elder Tamblyn appears as one of the incarnations of God — a dog walker who tells Joan she needs to do volunteer work.

Women's gymnastics (7 p.m., Ch. 11): Utah State at BYU

Celebrity Spelling Bee (7 p.m., Ch. 13): This has less to do with education than the opportunity to see 16 celebrities — including Harry Anderson, Corbin Bernsen, Erin Brodie, Brett Butler, Alice Cooper, Vincent Pastore, Eric Roberts, Meshach Taylor, George Wendt and Cindy Williams — look stupid because they don't know how to spell. Not that there's anything wrong with that. . . .

Reba (7 p.m., Ch. 30): Kyra punches a classmate.

Married to the Kellys (7:30 p.m., Ch. 4): Seth Green guest stars as a doctor who's obsessed with Susan.

JAG (8 p.m., Ch. 2): Was a pilot's suicide the result of his commander's behavior?

Hope & Faith (8 p.m., Ch. 4): Kevin Sorbo ("Hercules") guest stars as a selfless doctor who falls for self-involved Faith.

When Animals Attract (8 p.m., Ch. 13): Yes, I know that National Geographic produced this special about "dating" in the wild. But the fact that it's on Fox makes me wonder about any special that takes "an intimate look at some of the wildest, most bizarre and funniest mating rituals on the planet." But you're on your own — it wasn't previewed for critics.

The Singles Ward (8 p.m., Ch. 14): Painfully unfunny, locally produced, LDS-themed, 2002 "comedy."

Grounded for Life (8 p.m., Ch. 30): Brad and Lily sign an abstinence oath.

Monk (8 p.m., USA): Monk investigates a disappearance linked to a union dispute.

Life with Bonnie (8:30 p.m., Ch. 4): Bonnie spies on her young son.

Third Watch (9 p.m., Ch. 5): The new captain (Paul Michael Glaser) announces his plans for the station.

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