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Cancer Story Typical Of ‘Party’ Quality

John Martin New York Times Syndicate

The story of Charlie’s battle with Hodgkin’s disease continues on “Party of Five” (FOX at 9) as the oldest Salinger tells his siblings that he has cancer.

Matthew Fox plays Charlie as a guy who, at the best of times, is on the edge. Burdened by the responsibility thrust upon him after his parents’ deaths, he’s constantly torn between watching over his four siblings and finding time for his own happiness.

In tonight’s episode, Fox turns in an evocative performance representative of the complex feelings that cancer victims experience.

As Claudia (Lacey Chabert), Bailey (Scott Wolf) and Julia (Neve Campbell) learn of his illness, each responds differently. And each offends Charlie, who is angry about the randomness and unfairness of the disease.

Aside from that, Charlie isn’t the most mature person around. And it shows up here with what become petty attacks on people who are trying to help him.

Underlying the anger, obviously, is Charlie’s fear that he will be among the one in four patients who die of Hodgkins. He finally sees things more clearly after he’s confronted by the one person he thinks will stand behind him unconditionally.

Hats off to the writers and producers who have risked criticism that they’re only engaging in November sweeps melodramatics. They’re not.

They have a story to tell, and it’s a good one. And that’s what keeps fans coming back to this series.

The Salingers are prime time’s most fascinating family. This is another challenge they face together.

And, as usual, things are complicated by the intimate personal issues that real families recognize and understand.

Highlights

“The Nanny,” CBS at 8: In a wild romp, Ray Charles guest-stars as Yetta’s (Ann Guilbert) fiance, who says his nephew - Bryant Gumbel, who appears as himself - can help Fran (Fran Drescher) get a start in television.

“Spin City,” ABC at 8: Michael J. Fox is reunited with his “Family Ties” co-star, Meredith Baxter, who guest-stars as Mike’s mother. He’s mortified when he learns she’s had a sexual fling with the mayor (Barry Bostwick).

“Scientific American Frontiers,” KSPS at 7: Host Alan Alda searches “Beyond Science” in this revealing look at alleged paranormal phenomena. Alda, with the help of Hollywood special effects, performs a convincing “alien autopsy.”

“All-Star TV Censored Tickle Me Bloopers,” NBC at 8: Enough with the long titles, already. Drew Carey joins Dick Clark for another collection of stars blowing lines, missing cues and cracking up.

“Ellen,” ABC at 9:30: Emma Thompson appears as herself, revealing to Ellen (Ellen DeGeneres) that she’s gay, too. Sean Penn has a cameo.

“PrimeTime Live,” ABC at 10: A report examines the link between child abuse and sudden infant death syndrome.

“Chicago Hope,” CBS at 10: There’s high anxiety in this episode that finds Austin and McNeil (Mark Harmon, Christine Lahti) performing surgery aboard a jetliner.

Cable Calls

“Sub Down” (1997), USA at 9: A submarine crew and three scientists fight for survival when their nuclear sub collides with a Russian submarine beneath the polar ice cap. Stephen Baldwin, Tom Conti and Gabrielle Anwar star. Unavailable for review.

“Our Favorite Toys,” DISC at 10 and 2 a.m.: This hourlong documentary on the most popular toys of the century is a delight. It’s everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Barbie, Legos, GI Joe, Slinky, Uncle Milton’s Ant Farm, Matchbox cars, Radio Flyer wagons, Etch-A-Sketch and plastic toy soldiers.

Meet the inventors and check out the vintage TV ads. If you’re over 30, this is a real blast from the past.