Creepy, Kooky And A Lot Of Fun
A somewhat ho-hum night of television gets a lift from FOX with a repeat of 1993’s “Addams Family Values” at 8.
The sequel to the 1991 hit comedy is filled with delicious gags as Raul Julia (Gomez), Anjelica Huston (Morticia) and Christopher Lloyd (Uncle Fester) reprise their roles. This time, a gold-digger (Joan Cusack) courts Uncle Fester with plans to bump him off. Also, Wednesday and Pugsley (Christina Ricci, Jimmy Workman) are shuttled off to a bizarre camp run by Peter MacNicol and Christine Baranski (“Cybill”).
The movies, directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, are based on Charles Addams’ cartoon family. The droll ‘toons inspired the television series starring John Astin (Gomez) and Carolyn Jones (Morticia).
The “Addams” movies are all the more impressive in light of Hollywood’s recent uninspired attempts at campy revivals of television sitcoms. Films based on “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “The Flintstones” and “The Brady Bunch” have lacked the intelligence and wit of the “Addams” chronicles. And how about the political message built into the title?
Julia and Huston are born to the roles, which they attack as if they’re performing Shakespeare.
If you’re looking for relief from sappy sitcom fare, this is for you.
Highlights
“Nova,” KSPS at 7: A fascinating hour examines a radical procedure to treat heart disease. Developed by a Brazilian surgeon (who also is a part-time farmer), it involves slicing a crescent of muscle from enlarged hearts. It’s now being tested in the United States. Brace yourself for some graphic operating-room scenes.
“Promised Land,” CBS at 8: Valerie Harper renders a stirring performance when Russell (Gerald McRaney) saves the life of Nathaniel’s (Eddie Karr) favorite novelist. But Nathaniel later discovers that his idol, Molly Arnold (Harper), is a morphine addict. Repeat.
“Ellen,” ABC at 8:30: As a hospital volunteer, Ellen (Ellen DeGeneres) occupies an incapacitated English patient with memories of her past. The episode is cleverly titled “The Clip Show Patient.”
“My Very Best Friend” (1996), CBS at 9: Jaclyn Smith plays a psychopath willing to murder to find the happiness missing in her life in this formula thriller. Jill Eikenberry, her best friend, is the happy wife, mom and victim.
“Frontline,” KSPS at 9: Corruption and murder in Mexico is examined in a report on former President Carlos Salinas and his brother Raul, who engineered a money grab that collapsed Mexico’s economy.
“The Practice,” ABC at 10: The Gerald Braun murder trial comes to an end with Bobby (Dylan McDeromtt) arguing his innocence based on moral justification. Meanwhile, Eugene (Steve Harris) defends a 19-year-old accused of raping his 14-year-old girlfriend.