Likable ‘Ally Mcbeal’ Full Of Surprises
FOX’s infectious “Ally McBeal” at 9 spins a humorous tale as the stress of work and relationships finally takes its toll on Ally (Calista Flockhart).
The young Boston lawyer is dragged into jail and, later, before a judicial review board after she assaults an obnoxious supermarket shopper. The dispute is over a can of potato chips - a very funny scene.
The question before the board is whether Ally’s emotional state makes her incompetent. Two incidents from previous episodes are presented as evidence.
In recent weeks, Ally served up a bizarre eulogy at the funeral of a former law professor with whom (unknown to the deceased’s widow) she had an affair. And then there was the tirade launched against a pedestrian who offered an indifferent “sorry” after he bumped into her.
Dyan Cannon guest-stars as a judge who testifies before the board.
How upset does all of this make Ally? In a moment of despair, she says to herself, “Sometimes I’m tempted to become a street person and cut off from society. But, then I wouldn’t get to wear my outfits.”
You never know quite what to expect from this perky but perplexed heroine. That’s what gives “Ally” its charm.
Highlights
“Suddenly Susan,” NBC at 8: NBC’s latest comedy stunt, “Blind Date Monday,” begins with Susan (Brooke Shields) accepting an expensive gift from a reader, and that threatens Jack (Judd Nelson) to no end. On “Fired Up,” at 8:30, Gwen (Sharon Lawrence) makes a date with a sexy-voiced wrong number (Robert Miranda).
Caroline (Lea Thompson) goes on a blind date arranged by Julia (Sofia Milos) on “Caroline in the City” at 9. At 9:30 on “Naked Truth,” Nora (Tea Leoni) is accompanied to her ex-husband’s wedding with Bradley (Chris Elliott) in order to snap celebrity photos. Morgan Fairchild, Garry Marshall and Virginia Mayo guest-star.
“Everybody Loves Raymond,” CBS at 8:30: Guys will relate to this one. Raymond (Ray Romano) feels so guilty about tricking Debra (Patricia Heaton) into letting him play golf that he has an anxiety attack.
Then his doctor prescribes more golf as a way of relieving stress. Very clever.
“Football,” ABC at 6: The impoverished Indianapolis Colts (0-6) host the Buffalo Bills (3-3).
“Dateline NBC,” NBC at 10: Though it serves up its share of good reporting, this series leans frequently on stories that evoke fear and titillate viewers. It’s titillation tonight in a profile of a woman hospitalized for gender-identity disorder and who has written a book titled “The Last Time I Wore a Dress.”
Cable Calls
“Where Have You Gone, Joe DiMaggio?” HBO at 8: One of the sports world’s most enigmatic figures is profiled in this nostalgic hour. It’s filled with memorable baseball footage but reveals surprisingly little about the very private Hall-of-Famer.
Writers Gay Talese and David Halberstam, sportscaster Curt Gowdy and former players Bob Feller, Pete Rose, Reggie Jackson and Phil Rizzuto are among those who are interviewed. None claims to be DiMaggio’s friend.
It is ultimately a sad portrait of a man who never enjoyed fame and reportedly has never gotten over his broken marriage to Marilyn Monroe.
“TNN Live with Willie Nelson,” TNN at 7 and 11: TNN follows the lead of A&E’s live concert series. From Caffe Milano in Nashville, the country legend takes requests via telephone, fax and the Internet.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: A repeat of the show’s 1,000th telecast with guests Michael Jordan of the NBA Chicago Bulls and actress-model Elizabeth Hurley.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: From previous broadcasts, Actor Will Smith, Ellen DeGeneres (“Ellen”) and Chris Rock (“The Chris Rock Show”).
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: Harry Shearer, Leslie Abramson, Zubin Mehta and commentator Lawrence Otis Graham. Repeat.
“The Late Late Show With Tom Snyder,” CBS at 12:35 a.m.: Actor-comedian Dana Carvey and author Leonard Garment. Repeat.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor Kevin Bacon and musical guest Ricki Lee Jones. Repeat.