Crenna, Duke Match Up Well In ‘Race’
Two of prime time’s venerable stars are paired in CBS’ “Race Against Time: The Search for Sarah” at 9., Richard Crenna and Patty Duke star as the parents of a 22-year-old woman (Ele Keats) who is kidnapped after a carjacking. In the fact-based story, the police bungle the first attempt to find the victim, inadvertently identifying Sarah as one of the carjackers.
As the harrowing tale unfolds, Sarah is beaten and left for dead at an isolated construction site. Only a relentless effort by her parents and other members of her family save her.
It’s a theme that’s becoming familiar in TV movies. How many times have we seen police portrayed as inept? The 1996 movie was not available for review.
Crenna is one of the most-liked Hollywood stars. He’s successful on television in his Frank Janek movies for CBS.
Duke, an Oscar-winner (“The Miracle Worker”), has done her best work in TV movies, including the 1979 version of “The Miracle Worker,” which won her a third Emmy.
Together, they’re a great bet.
Highlights
“The Client,” CBS at 8: Reggie’s client (Tim Grimm) thinks he’s a Confederate soldier. The district attorney thinks he’s a killer.
Naomi Judd guest-stars as a psychologist Reggie hires to help prove the young man’s innocence. Valerie Mahaffey and Alice Ghostley also star.
“Another Stakeout” (1993), FOX at 8: In this sequel Rosie O’Donnell was recruited as an assistant district attorney assigned to the Seattle-based detectives (Richard Dreyfuss, Emilio Estevez). They pose as a vacationing family while searching for the missing witness in a case against a mob boss.
You may regret settling in for this crime comedy that goes for dumb jokes too often for its own good. O’Donnell’s talent is largely wasted with these two stiffs.
“Coach,” ABC at 8:30: Luther (Jerry Van Dyke) burns his mouth on a flaming hot entree at Hayden’s (Craig T. Nelson) barbecue.
What does the host’s best friend and assistant coach do? He sues for millions.
There’s plenty of room here for Nelson’s comic ranting and Van Dyke’s amusing daffiness. But how much more mileage can the writers get from television’s most anachronistic odd couple?
“3rd Rock from the Sun,” NBC at 8:30: Dick (John Lithgow) enrolls in a painting course to determine why Earthlings treasure art. But when Harry (French Stewart) tags along, he becomes the class sensation.
The best part of the half-hour, however, involves Sally’s (Kristen Johnston) zeal to organize a charity bake sale.
“NYPD Blue,” ABC at 10: Simone and Sipowicz (Jimmy Smits, Denis Franz) are obsessed with finding an especially despicable criminal, a rapistmurderer who has thrown several children from the roofs of apartment buildings.
Also, Russell and Martinez (Kim Delaney, Nicholas Turturro) have different opinions regarding an alleged rape. (Rescheduled from last week).
Cable Calls
“Biography,” A&E at 5 and 9: See the rise and rise of one of Hollywood’s hottest hunks in “Arnold Schwarzenegger: Flex Appeal.” Clips range from “Conan the Barbarian” to the actor’s upcoming “Eraser.”
Sally Field and Bruce Willis are among those sharing insights into the muscle man’s personality.
“No Time for Sergeants” (1958), AMC at 5 and 10:30: As fun to watch as it was three decades ago, this film adaptation of the Broadway comedy launched Andy Griffith’s career. Before there was a Gomer Pyle there was this country-boy military farce.
Griffith is spectacularly funny, as is co-star Nick Adams.
“Nightmare in the Daylight” (1992), LIF at 9: Jaclyn Smith is a San Francisco tourist who has a strange encounter with a man (Christopher Reeve) who is convinced she’s his missing wife.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Tom Selleck, actress Samantha Mathis and musician Lou Reed.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Tea Leoni (“The Naked Truth”) and musical group Collective Soul.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor-writer-producer Ben Stiller and actress Joan Collins.