Co-Star Steals The Show In ‘Life’s Work’
ABC’s “Life’s Work” at 8:30 gets a jump on Valentine’s Day in an episode that highlights the considerable talents of co-star Larry Miller (Grids were prepared before scheduling change).
As you may know, this is Lisa Ann Walter’s show, and ABC hopes the radiant stand-up comic will, like Roseanne, Brett Butler and Ellen DeGeneres, bloom into prime-time superstardom. So far, that hasn’t happened. And I don’t think it will. I find the series to be too conventional.
Walter, however, has a special energy. But as I’ve tuned in, all I seem to get from her is a string of laugh lines. There’s nothing about her character - lawyer-wife-mom Lisa Hunter - that shines through.
But Miller is dandy as Lisa’s boss Jerome Nash. In the opener, he’s seen destroying a woman on the witness stand, a scene that earns the admiration of another attorney named Olivia McClure (Wendie Malick of “Dream On”).
It’s obvious to Lisa that Olivia harbors an unlikely, but nonetheless, mad crush on divorced and insecure Jerome. Against his wishes, she arranges a dinner meeting that leads to many surprises.
Miller, known for his role in “Pretty Woman” and last season’s riotous role in NBC’s “The Pursuit of Happiness,” is one of those dry wits who can get a laugh with no more than a look or a telling glance. Tonight, he shows a sensitive side as well.
There’s a lot of talent in this series. I like Michael O’Keefe, who played Jackie’s mate Fred on “Roseanne” for several seasons. But he, like Walter, seems trapped in this uninspired sitcom.
Highlights
“Nova,” KSPS at 7 and tomorrow at 7: A four-part special examines “Secrets of Lost Empires.” Tonight, archaeologists and engineers attempt to recreate techniques used to quarry, transport and raise the massive stones of Stonehenge. In the second hour the engineering feats of the Incas are duplicated.
Tomorrow night an army of workers attempts to raise an obelisk similar to those erected by ancient Egyptians, and theories are tested to determine how Rome’s Colosseum was originally fitted with a canvas top.
“Mad About You,” NBC at 8: Mel Brooks guest stars as Paul’s (Paul Reiser) Uncle Phil, who wants the baby named after him.
“True Lies” (1994), FOX at 8: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis star in this lighthearted action thriller in which Arnie plays a top spy whose wife (Curtis) thinks he’s a computer salesman.
Tom Arnold as Schwarzenegger’s sidekick is the real treat in this fastpaced caper from director James Cameron of “The Terminator” movies. “Something So Right,” NBC at 8:30: A flashback episode reveals how Jack and Carly (Jere Burns, Mel Harris) met. But each character has a different recollection.
“Stranger in My Home” (1997), CBS at 9: A high-powered lawyer (Veronica Hamel) thinks she has found her long-lost brother. But you’ll see in the opening scenes that he’s a grifter who murdered her sibling and assumed his identity. Improbable, yes. But Hamel makes things unbearable with an overwrought performance. Joe Penny co-stars.
“Frasier,” NBC at 9: You know there are laughs in store when Martin and Daphne (John Mahoney, Jane Leeves) take a despondent Eddie to see a doggy psychiatrist.
“Spin City,” ABC at 9:30: Here’s an interesting guest appearance by former “Beverly Hills, 90210” star Luke Perry. He plays Carter’s (Michael Boatman) old flame who drops in on Valentine’s day.
Cable Calls
“Skating,” TBS at 5:05: Highlights of the long programs from Tokyo’s Japan Open held last month.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actress Bridget Fonda, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman and singer David Bowie.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actress Sarah Jessica Parker, actor Geoffrey Rush and singer Barry Manilow.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Brett Butler, author Michael Farris and writer Robert Fulghum.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Musical guest Big Head Todd & the Monsters.