WORTH NOTING ON TV

This guide is designed to alert readers to the scope and variety of programming coming up. Listing is not meant to represent blanket endorsement. Viewers are urged to be selective. FRIDAY Disney's DTV Monster Hits (NBC, 8-9 p.m.): Scenes from classic Disney cartoons set to familiar tunes. An alternative to kids' trick-or-treating. The Search for Houdini (Syndicated/check local listings): William Shatner hosts live show in which magicians re-create Houdini's tricks. A"ida (PBS, 9-12 p.m.): ``Great Performances'' presents Pl'acido Domingo and Mirella Freni in Houston Grand Opera production [reviewed Page 22].

SUNDAY Echoes in the Darkness (CBS, 9-11; also Monday, 8-11 p.m.): Fact-based murder thriller based on Joseph Wambaugh's best seller. Too long. City in the Sand (PBS, 10-10:30 p.m.): ``Only One Earth'' series investigates life in a ``planned'' shantytown in Peru. The Bible and Distant Time (PBS, 10:30-11 p.m.): Second of five-part series, ``Make Prayers to the Raven,'' explores how traditional religion of Alaska's Athabascan Indians blends with Christianity.

MONDAY Can America Compete? (PBS, during week of Nov. 2, check local listings for day and time): Two-part ``Adam Smith's Money World'' special. Shaka Zuku (Fox, 8-10 p.m. for five nights through Friday, check local listings): Violent miniseries about the founder and king of Africa's Zulu empire. The First Eden (PBS, 8-9 p.m.): Premi`ere of four-part series on the natural and cultural history of the Mediterranean Sea area. David Attenborough is host. Get a Job (PBS, 10-10:30 p.m.): Original drama in ``Trying Times,'' drama-comedy series celebrating the humor of coping with life's changes.

TUESDAY A Man, a Plan, a Canal, Panama (PBS, 8-9 p.m.): ``Nova'' recounts the human drama behind the building of the Panama Canal, narrated by David McCullough. Mapping (PBS, 9-10 p.m.): Third of six-part series, ``The Ring of Truth,'' about the inner workings of science.

WEDNESDAY Discover: The World of Science (PBS, 8-9 p.m.): Science magazine special explores the natural wonders of Hawaii, etc. Moyers: The Secret Government...The Constitution in Crisis (PBS, 9-10:30 p.m.): Bill Moyers examines the significance of the Iran-contra hearings in the framework of a growing tendency of the executive branch of government to operate beyond established checks and balances. Mark Russell Songbook (PBS, 10:30-11 p.m.): A comedy special of the best and most outrageous political songs by this singing satirist.

Listings are in Eastern time; other zones may vary. Please check listings for all PBS programs, since local option often results in differing days and times.