‘Mysteries’ Revisits Green River Killings
One of the unfortunate things about NBC’s “Unsolved Mysteries” at 8 is that when it airs a repeat it often means that a killer is still on the loose.
Such is the case with tonight’s chilling report on the Green River murders, considered to be the nation’s top unsolved serial murder case.
The report focuses on Bob Stevens, who is quizzed on the alibi he provided for his brother, William Stevens of Spokane, prime suspect in the case. William, a police informant, died in 1991.
Investigators question the validity of the alibi.
Roderick Thorpe, author of the new book “River,” believes William was the killer, but new information suggests William may have had an accomplice who may still be at large.
Let’s hope that we don’t see this story appear again under any circumstance other than a “case closed” segment.
Also on “Unsolved,” a report on a Connecticut murder from 20 years ago. Thomas Skakel, a nephew of Ethel Kennedy, was the No. 1 suspect. The case, however, remains a puzzle.
Highlights
“Sliders,” FOX at 8: As Quinn (Jerry O’Connell) pursues an old lover, Daelin (Brooke Langton of FOX’s “Melrose Place”), the sliders drift between three worlds: an America that lost the New World to the Spanish; an earth where time moves backward and the sliders are accused of murdering Daelin; and a world that seems perfect for Quinn and Daelin to be reunited in.
“Diagnosis, Murder,” CBS at 8 and 9: In a two-part 1993 repeat, Steve (Barry Van Dyke) needs help from his dad Mark (Dick Van Dyke) when he’s charged with murder. Attempting to expose corrupt police officers, Steve is framed in the killing of an internal affairs officers.
While trying to absolve his son, Mark tries to make peace with a cranky hospital administrator (Michael Tucci) and striking nurses.
“Dateline NBC,” NBC at 9: Lisa Rudolph reports on a one-time pillar of the community who prosecutors say tried to pull off a classic Ponzi investment scheme.
The Lakeland, Fla., woman has been charged with 295 counts of racketeering and grand theft. She says her actions were caused by a chemical imbalance in her brain.
“Step By Step,” ABC at 9: Carol and Frank (Suzanne Somers, Patrick Duffy) try a little “tough love” to motivate the kids. Cody (Sasha Mitchell) inadvertently orders a Russian mail-order bride (Mary-Pat Green). Repeat.
Parents’ Pick
“Felix the Cat” (1989), DISN at 5: A feline triple-feature kicks off with a more politically correct Felix rescuing a princess in distress.
At 6:30, it’s an animated feature starring one of Hanna-Barbera’s most hip creations, “Top Cat and the Beverly Hills Cats.” It’s a fun cat caper in which TC’s pal Benny the Ball inherits $10 million. Or so he thinks.
Rounding out the evening at 8:05 is a Disney classic, 1965’s “That Darn Cat,” featuring Hayley Mills as a little girl whose kitty is recruited by the FBI to thwart diamond thieves. Dean Jones and Dorothy Provine co-star.
Cable Calls
“Bedtime,” SHOW at 11: The intimacies of six couples are revealed in this disarming, though spotty, new series produced by Fred Silverman. A blend of comedy and drama, it’s sort of an R-rated “Plaza Suite” (1971), with scenes shifting from bedroom to bedroom.
A few of the characters are too broadly drawn and poorly acted, notably Craig (Matt Battaglia), a 28-year-old macho man, and Jane (Teri Austin), a fortysomething career woman, who can’t get pregnant.
Most intriguing are a lesbian couple, Liz and Donna (Susan Gibney, Felicity Huffman). Liz’s visiting parents, sleeping in the next room, are unaware that Donna is more than just Liz’s roommate.
“Latino Laugh Festival,” SHO at 11:30: Cheech Marin (“Nash Bridges”) hosts a new comedy series that features stand-up comedy and variety acts. Liz Torres (“The John Larroquette Show”) highlights the premiere.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Singer-actress Cher and actor Robert Pastorelli.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Bill Murray, music group the Wallflowers and Olympic tennis player MaliVai Washington.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Animal expert Jim Fowler.