Midler Comes To The Aid Of ‘Wynonna’
Don’t let anyone tell you different “Wynonna: Revelations,” CBS at 10, is a concert special promoting a new album.
Yes, Wynonna is performing again after a 2-year-long hiatus, and this is her first television special since 1992. And, yes, “revelations” reflects a new sound for the singer.
But don’t look for any revelations in the interview segments that dot the hour.
I can sum up what she has to say in a couple of sentences: Her baby and new husband are the center of her life. She’s come to grips with and learned to ignore tabloid invasions of her personal life.
And she gets an indescribable buzz from performing on stage.
You’ll see a few seconds of footage from her wedding and lots of video of Wynonna playing with her young son.
The highlight of the hour comes from Bette Midler, who steps out of the audience for a duet and a solo.
Wynonna’s music you’ll have to judge for yourself. Will her new hard-edged pop-rock and R&B sound, complete with black backup vocalists and brassy saxophone section, strike a sour chord with country purists? It’s a safe bet that some of her old fans will find it too bold and far too loud.
In addition to “To Be Loved By You,” and other songs from her current album, the special includes performances from her previous albums, “‘Wynonna” and “Tell Me Why.”
Highlights
“Unsolved Mysteries,” NBC at 8: A report suggests that Los Angeles’ famed “Comedy Store” nightclub is haunted. A variety of apparitions allegedly show up after hours.
Also, the latest on a New York serial rapist and murderer who remains at large.
“Strange Luck,” FOX at 8: After being struck by lightning, Chance (D.B. Sweeney) is reunited with his brother and father and discovers that the plane crash that killed his mother and sister wasn’t an accident. Loose ends are being tied up because this is the series’ last first-run episode.
FOX executives will announce in May whether the show will return next season. If they’re smart, they’ll give “Luck” another chance.
“Boy Meets World,” ABC at 8:30: When Cory (Ben Savage) fails to talk Mr. Feeny (William Daniels) into changing his exam schedule, a group of students vandalizes the teacher’s house. A shocked Feeny resigns, leaving Cory stunned.
Also, Eric (Will Friedle) goes out with an older woman (Lisa Akey).
“Diagnosis Murder,” CBS at 9: When Sloan’s (Dick Van Dyke) wealthy friend (Robert Vaughn) is murdered, it looks like an open-and-shut case against his wife - until her twin sister shows up. Kate McNeil guest-stars in a dual role.
“Dateline NBC,” NBC at 9: The newsmagazine taps overexposed psychic-phenomena debunker James “The Amazing” Randi for a two-part expose on supernatural hoaxes.
“20/20,” ABC at 10: When you pay high prices for expensive shampoos and conditioners, are you getting your money’s worth? An investigation finds that perhaps you’re getting scalped.
Cable Calls
“Joke-A-Polooza,” COM at 6: A five-hour-long marathon of repeat Comedy Central stand-up specials beginning with “Comedy Club All-Stars II.” At 9, “Comedy Club Network 1” features Tim Allen, Larry Miller and Jeff Foxworthy.
“The Inkwell” (1994), SHO at 8: Larenz Tate (“Menace II Society”) stars in a unique coming-ofage comedy about a black teen who summers with his wealthy relatives on Martha’s Vineyard. (The beach where black residents hang out is known as “The Inkwell”).
Directed by 22-year-old filmmaker Matty Rich, it has plenty of laughs but a few distracting cliches as well.
“Biography,” A&E at 5 and 9: This profile of George Bush may or may not dissuade you from the characterization by a political opponent that he was “born on third base and grew up thinking he’d hit a triple.”
His early life, World War II Navy career and political years are covered. You hear from Bush, wife Barbara, his mother, son, and former White House press secretary Marlin Fitzwater.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actress Shannen Doherty and boxer Eric “Butterbean” Esch.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Singer-musician Don Henley.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actress Ann-Margret.