Cbs Takes Third Look At ‘Class Of 2000’
CBS News continues its laudable attempt to shed light on the issues facing American youth in its third “Class of 2000” report at 10.
Dan Rather anchors the hour, which visits 16 students from around the country. If you watched the previous specials, you may recognize some of these high school freshmen the network will be tracking through to graduation in the spring of 2000.
The students include a confirmed gang member; a student trying to do his best to lower his school’s alarming dropout rate; a 14-year-old who is a new mother; one of the nation’s top-rated basketball talents; and a student who revealed his homosexuality on national television last year.
CBS also taps Dr. Mike Riera, dean of students at Marin Academy in California and author of “Surviving High School,” for insight into the challenges today’s teens face.
It goes without saying that there’s a lot to be shared if parents and their kids watch together.
Highlights
“Diagnosis Murder,” CBS at 8: Sloan (Dick Van Dyke) clashes with a headstrong attorney (guest-star Piper Laurie) when he helps investigate the drive-by shooting of an inner-city high school teacher. All fingers point to a gang, but Sloan has reservations. And, of course, he’s right.
It’s great to see Laurie liven up this repeat from November.
“Friends,” NBC at 8: Tom Selleck returned to the series as Monica’s (Courteney Cox) ex-lover Richard. It’s one of those “we’ll see each other but just as friends” arrangements that heads straight to the bedroom.
It’s not the funniest episode of the season.
Repeat.
“Mystery!” KSPS at 8: Six weeks of “Maigret” repeats begins with “Maigret on the Defensive.” The chief inspector (Michael Gambon) comes to the aid of a damsel in distress. But the next morning, he’s accused of assaulting the woman, who he learns is the niece of a top government official.
“New York Undercover,” FOX at 9: The network repeats the two-part season premiere. A rash of church fires stokes racial tension in New York City.
You may recall that when Malik Yoba and Michael DeLorenzo threatened to hold out for more money, series producer Dick Wolf promised to have their characters burned alive in this episode.
The series stars believed him. J.C. and Eddie were alive and well.
DeLorenzo, however, will not return for the 1997-98 season.
Cable Calls
“Breaking Through: Our Turn to Play,” LIFE at 7: Geena Davis narrates this hour, which marks the 25th anniversary of federal legislation that paved the way for women’s sports. It’s a strong look at how Title IX opened doors for women in college sports, sometimes at the expense of men’s programs.
Among the participants are Howard University basketball coach Sanya Tyler, who sued under Title IX because of her second-class treatment, and gymnasts Amy Cohen and Lisa Stern, who fought Brown University all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court to save their volleyball program.
“Reba McEntire Pro Celebrity Rodeo: A Tribute to Ben Johnson,” TNN at 5: From the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla., top rodeo pros and country stars gather to celebrate the life of cowboy-turned-actor Ben Johnson, who died in 1996.
Unfortunately McEntire is the only true country superstar who turns out for the second annual charity event.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Singer k.d. lang and Jack Lemmon.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actress Julia Roberts and singer Jon Bon Jovi.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Gloria Estefan, Kelly Monteith and Republican Party official Joe Galli.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Model Fabio, Jonathan Katz (“Dr. Katz: Professional Therapist”) and musical guest Widespread Panic.