Abc’s ‘Ellen’ Takes A Historic Step Out

ABC, the network that once censored a gay love scene shot for an episode of “thirtysomething,” makes history tonight when Ellen Morgan reveals that she’s a lesbian on “Ellen” at 9.

Attitudes change. At least that’s the hope of millions of gays, lesbians and straight people who see Ellen’s coming out as a breakthrough. The episode coincides with series star Ellen DeGeneres’ public acknowledgment that she, like the character she plays, is a lesbian. (See “PrimeTime Live” below.)

In the one-hour episode, Ellen meets a kindred spirit (Laura Dern) and falls in love. Ellen’s attraction is so intense that she eventually can no longer deny her sexual identity.

Between the laughs are all the emotions locked inside those who are uncertain or afraid. It’s great comedy, but there isn’t a wasted line in the show. It is a triumph of entertainment.

Oprah Winfrey appears as a therapist who offers support and advice. And speaking of support, “out” celebrities k.d. lang and Melissa Etheridge have roles.

Also making brief appearances are Demi Moore, Billy Bob Thornton, Dwight Yoakam, Gina Gershon and several unbilled celebrities.

So where does “Ellen” go from here? Next week, she copes with telling her parents.

This is a very funny series. Will it be as funny now that the speculation about Ellen’s sexuality ends?

You bet. DeGeneres is a comet, a brilliant comedic talent that comes around only once in a great while. That Ellen is out won’t change that.

Highlights

“The Nanny,” CBS at 8: Bette Midler guest-stars, and Fran (Fran Drescher) pulls a Lucy Ricardo by crashing Maxwell’s charity auction in order to meet her idol. Fran puts herself up for auction, and Ed Begley Jr. plays the high bidder.

“Ace Ventura, Pet Detective” (1994), NBC at 8: For the second time on consecutive nights, network television serves up a Jim Carrey movie. “Ace” is a step down from Tuesday night’s “The Mask.” It’s thinly scripted, but it still works as goofball comedy.

Carrey plays a sleuth on the trail of a stolen football mascot. Courteney Cox, Sean Young and Tone Loc co-star.

“The Absolute Truth” (1997), CBS at 9: Jane Seymour is a TV news producer trying to expose presidential candidate William Devane’s history of sexual harassment. Bruce Greenwood plays the dashing reporter assigned to the story.

Too many inconsistencies with the way network news is produced mar the tale, as does an unlikely ending. Sean McCann is a distraction as the stereotypical gruff executive producer.

“Pacific Palisades,” FOX at 9: Joan Collins (“Dynasty”) breezes into the series as an international jet-setter. Needless to say, she isn’t a nice person.

“PrimeTime Live,” ABC at 10: The hour includes Part 2 of Diane Sawyer’s interview with Ellen DeGeneres as well as a report on divorced parents who defy custody arrangements and make off with their own children.

Cable Calls

“The Frisco Kid” (1979), COM at 8: Have you heard the one about the rabbi in the Wild West? Gene Wilder stars in an obviously offbeat and at times charming tale. Wilder plays a rabbi headed for California in 1850 who meets up with a likable bank robber (Harrison Ford).

Talk Time

“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: To be announced.

“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Alec Baldwin, actress Joey Lauren Adams and music group Indigo Girls.

“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Author David Sedaris and Clea Lewis (“Ellen”).