WORTH NOTING ON TV

WEDNESDAY

The Sentinel (UPN, 8-9 p.m.): In a change of pace from gritty, serious police dramas, this new cop show may have struck upon a different winning combination: adventuresome story lines with a sense of fun and cinema-caliber special effects. The action - which can be violent - revolves around Detective James Ellison (Richard Burgi), who suddenly finds himself endowed with hyper-senses. To better understand his newfound capabilities, he teams up with a laid-back, offbeat graduate student (Garett Maggart).

THURSDAY

Inside Politics (CNN, 4-4:30 p.m. and 8:30-9 p.m.): As part of a series examining the role of Generation X in the 1996 presidential elections, this report looks at young married couples with children - a growing segment of the Generation X population. Special correspondent Jonathan Karl elaborates on polls that show this group to be very conservative.

World Figure Skating Championships (ABC, 8-11 p.m. EST): Competing in Edmonton, Alberta, are skating's best, including Rudy Galindo and Michelle Kwan of the United States, Chen Lu of China, and Elvis Stojko of Canada. Thursday features the men's and pairs' finals. ABC's coverage continues on March 23 and April 13.

Boston Common (NBC, 8:30-9 p.m.): Anthony Clark delivers a strong performance as the big brother who just can't let his college-bound sister (Hedy Burress) go off to the big city alone - so he takes up residence in her new urban digs. This new comedy doesn't have standout humor, but it should fit well in NBC's powerful Thursday-night lineup.

FRIDAY

Firing Line Special Debate (PBS, 9-11 p.m.): "Resolved: The Government Has the Right to Regulate the Internet." In light of the telecommunications bill, experts from several professions take up this resolution. "National Review" editor William F. Buckley Jr. (and host of "Firing Line") heads pro arguments, and Ira Glasser, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, leads the con.

Please check local listings for these programs.