‘Ally Mcbeal’ Has Makings Of A Winnner
David E. Kelley, responsible for “Picket Fences,” “Chicago Hope” and “The Practice,” launches a new series that takes off with intelligence, charm, wit and romance.
“Ally McBeal” (FOX at 9) stars Calista Flockhart (“The Birdcage”) as a young lawyer starting her career in Boston. She is as smart as she is beautiful, but McBeal has a past that catches up with her in the premiere.
After joining a high-profile practice run by an old Harvard nemesis (Greg Germann) - it’s a great story how she got there - she runs headlong into her former lover, Billy Alan Thomas (Gil Bellows), a member of the same firm. (We’ll forgive the unlikely possibility that she hadn’t heard he was back in Boston.)
The attraction is still intense, but Billy is married to yet another lawyer (Courtney Thorne-Smith, formerly of “Melrose Place”).
It’s as if Kelley has taken “L.A. Law” (another show he helped shape) and broken it down from an ensemble to a romantic comedy. It works, at least in the premiere.
A strong story and stronger chemistry between Flockhart and Bellows (does that sound like a law firm or what?) make this an enchanting hour.
Some cinematic sleight of hand that reminded me of “My So-Called Life” is icing on the cake.
I could make a case for this being FOX’s next hit series.
Highlights
“Melrose Place,” FOX at 8: Linden Ashby and Jamie Luner (“Savannah”) join the cast as the series begins its sixth season. Ashby plays Dr. Brett “Coop” Cooper, and Luner shows up in the fourth episode of the new season as Lexi Sterling, Coop’s sexy ex-wife.
Picking up where last season’s cliffhanger left off, Amanda and Kyle (Heather Locklear, Rob Estes) wake up on the morning after. Also, Craig and Samantha (David Charvet, Brooke Langton) reel from the aftermath of the car crash that ruined Craig and Sydney’s (Laura Leighton) wedding. In addition, Peter (Jack Wagner) surprises Taylor (Lisa Rinna) with a marriage proposal.
“Planet Neighborhood,” KSPS at 7: This excellent three-part special looks at ways that people can live and work in homes and buildings that better conserve energy and do less harm to the environment. The bonus: These measures can save on energy costs, cut down on employee sick time and even create new jobs.
“Perfect Body” (1997), NBC at 9: Ah, the ever-faithful topic of eating disorders. This time, it’s a drama about an Olympic gymnastics hopeful (Amy Jo Johnson of “The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers”) who is told by an insensitive coach (Brett Cullen) that she needs to lose weight to make the team.
You can guess the rest, but you’ll be disappointed by the shallow treatment of this very important subject.
Wendie Malick (“Dream On”) and Ray Baker (“Cybill”) play the young athlete’s parents. Cathy Rigby co-stars and choreographed the gymnastics.
Excellent stunt-doubling and editing make the practice and competition sequences seamless.
“Football,” ABC at 6: In Oakland, Kansas City (0-1) and the Raiders (0-1) renew a time-honored AFC rivalry.
“Chicago Hope,” CBS at 10: In the 1996-97 season finale, a helicopter carrying a donor-heart crashes in a storm. Mandy Patinkin returns as Dr. Geiger, smugly announcing he is now the hospital’s principal shareholder.
Cable Calls
“Gymnastics,” ESPN at 6: You may want to check out the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, taped in Denver last month.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35 : Jason Priestley (“Beverly Hills, 90210”), Sarah Michelle Gellar (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and Australian tap dancers, the Tap Dogs.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Danny DeVito, actress Salma Hayek and singer Tim McGraw.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: Jon Stewart, Mykelti Williamson and commentators Tom Fitton and Julianne Malveaux.
“The Late Late Show With Tom Snyder,” CBS at 12:35 a.m.: Actor Jay Thomas and science fiction writer Harlan Ellison.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: To be announced.
xxxx BRADSHAW SHOW DEBUTS The new Terry Bradshaw talk show “Home Team” begins airing today at 9 a.m. on KXLY-4. The show will feature guests and, since Planet Hollywood has ties to the show, plenty of chefs will appear to discuss cooking techniques with Bradshaw. “Home Team” will air Monday through Friday at 9 a.m.