Expect Monster Fun On ‘Raymond’
“Everybody Loves Raymond” (CBS at 8:30) again comes up with a slice of life parents will find plenty to laugh about.
Chances are, they’ll relate when 6-year-old Ally (Madylin Sweeten) becomes afraid of “monsters” under her bed and Raymond and Debra (Ray Romano and Patricia Heaton) have to cope with a child who can only go to sleep in their bed.
It’s no laughing matter if it’s your family. But it’s not; it’s one of television’s funniest families.
First, Ray’s Sicilian father (Peter Boyle) arrives to convince Ally that he’s taken care of the monster.
When that doesn’t work, Raymond asks his mother (Doris Roberts) for help. If you watch this series, you know he should have known better.
Some say “Raymond” is to family comedies what “Seinfeld” is to the singles sitcoms. That’s partly because Romano and Jerry Seinfeld have some similarities, including common roots in Long Island, N.Y.
Romano appeals to every father trying to balance work with the demands of fatherhood. And lots of folks have reason to be amused by complications that arise as a result of Raymond living too close to his eccentric brother (Brad Garrett) and his overbearing parents.
It’s a show about something - a family circus that’s funny and smart, loaded with talent and written with a distinctive flair.
The next “Seinfeld?” Maybe not, but maybe the brightest family comedy going.
Highlights
“Braveheart” (1995), NBC at 9: The epic saga of Sir William Wallace concludes (Part 1 aired Sunday night) as the 13th-century Scotsman leads his ramshackle army into battle against the English. It is an inspiring tale filmed on a grand, Oscar-winning scale.
Mel Gibson stars with Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan and Catherine McCormack.
“20/20,” ABC at 9: A report shows how pet owners are literally killing their pets with kindness by overfeeding and serving inappropriate snacks.
“Ally McBeal,” Fox at 9: The firm represents a jilted spouse suing a U.S. senator for an affair that destroyed his “otherwise happy marital relations.” The case reminds Ally (Calista Flockhart), Billy (Gil Bellows) and Georgia (Courtney Thorne-Smith) of their love triangle, giving them pause to consider the consequences.
“The American Experience,” KSPS at 9: “Surviving the Dust Bowl” details the devastating eight-year drought of the 1930s. Survivors recall the dark days of the environmental disaster.
“The Practice,” ABC at 10: Rebecca (Lisa Gay Hamilton) is the lone witness of the murder of a gas-station attendant. But she and her colleagues come up against a tough defense lawyer who raises doubts about whom and what she saw.
Cable Calls
“Biography,” A&E at 5 and 9: “Caligula: Reign of Madness” is the story of the notorious Roman emperor known for his lunacy, lasciviousness and penchant for killing for personal pleasure. He made love to his sister and declared himself a living god.
Experts from universities in the United States and Canada weigh in on the subject.
“Egypt Uncovered,” DISC at 8: This five-part series uses stunning footage, computer graphics and dramatizations to illustrate ancient Egyptian history. Parts 1-3 air tonight, with Parts 4 and 5 Tuesday and Wednesday at 10.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actress Julianne Moore and a performance by Shaolin Kung Fu Monks.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Patrick Stewart and actress Joan Cusack.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: Medium James Van Praagh.
“The Late Late Show With Tom Snyder,” CBS at 12:35 a.m.: Actress Bonnie Hunt.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor George Wendt and director Terry Jones. Repeat.