‘Family Film Awards’ Offers Break From Reruns
I’m not entirely sure what conservatives want when they say television should promote “family values.”
But I do know that Americans, both conservative and liberal, have had their fill of summer reruns. So why not check out CBS’ “The Family Film Awards” at 8?
Actually, the awards go beyond film and honor movies, TV movies and television series that are “popular with and appropriate for” the whole family.
I don’t think the people who put the two-hour-long special together included “Roseanne” on the guest list, even though, in my opinion, the series teaches us as much about family values as any other show on television.
Beau Bridges (Emmy winner for “Without Warning: The James Brady Story,” 1991), Anna Chlumsky (“My Girl,” 1991) and Joey Lawrence (“Blossom”) host the event, which originates from Hollywood.
Bob Hope will be honored with a lifetime achievement award.
Highlights
“NFL Football,” ABC at 5: Kansas City meets Chicago in a preseason game.
“Seinfeld,” NBC at 9: In one of the past season’s nuttier episodes, George (Jason Alexander) gets George Steinbrenner (Lee Bear) hooked on eggplant calzones but panics when the supply suddenly vanishes. Also, Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) can’t tell if she’s dating a new acquaintance (John D’Aquino) or if they’re “just hanging out.”
“3rd Rock from the Sun,” NBC at 9:30: In a season of winning half-hours, I think I laughed hardest at this one. Dick (John Lithgow) and his alien brood realize they have neglected to include their ethnic background as part of their Earthly disguise. It never occurs to Dick that everyone assumes the Solomons are Jewish. Funnier still is Sally’s (Kristen Johnston) big date with Tommy’s handsome teacher (John D’Aquino).
“48 Hours,” CBS at 10: The hour includes a profile of Mayor Marc Molinaro of Tivoli, N.Y. He’s 20 years old.
“ER,” NBC at 10: Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) tries to dull the pain of losing baby Suzie by burying herself in work. She becomes a one-woman dynamo, diagnosing a rare condition afflicting a pregnant woman (Romy Rosemont), helping a blind mugging victim (Lynn Milgrim), and discovering why an elderly patient (Al Ruscio) nearly overdosed on his medication. Repeat.
Parents’ Pick
“Disney’s Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra,” DISN at 8: Youngsters will be inspired by this fifth annual gathering of musicians from the United States, Canada and England. The weeklong music camp culminates in a Hollywood Bowl concert.