Look For Classic Police Action In ‘Players’
NBC’s “Players,” airing at 8, hasn’t generated much of a buzz among critics. And it’s not up there with the ratings leaders, either.
But tonight’s episode shows that the series can deliver action and intrigue.
The three convicts paroled for duty with the FBI - Ice (Ice-T), Alphonse (Costas Mandylor) and Charlie (Frank John Hughes) - are assigned to protect a woman (Michelle Stafford) whose life is at risk when her ex-husband (John Saint Ryan) escapes from prison.
It was her testimony that put him away. He immediately proves he’s out for revenge by murdering his trial judge only hours after evading prison guards.
The con is an ex-cop, and that gives him an advantage as he almost catches his intended target and her protectors off guard.
There’s a surprise ending that’s original and consistent with the show’s theme of unorthodox crime fighting.
You can’t take “Players” as seriously as “NYPD Blue,” “Law & Order” or “Homicide: Life on the Street.” It’s escapist fare, which is something a lot of critics discount these days.
If you like stylized characters, car chases, automatic gunfire and explosions more than talky “realistic” cop shows, this is for you.
Catch it while you can. Odds are “Players” won’t be back in the fall.
Highlights
“Basketball,” CBS at 4:30: Another big day of NCAA action spills over into prime time.
“Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction,” FOX at 8: The unique series offers up five timely stories, each with a Friday-the-13th theme.
Jonathan Frakes hosts.
“Boy Meets World,” ABC at 8:30: In a fun repeat, Salem the cat from “Sabrina” takes the cast back in time to World War II. Cory (Ben Savage) goes off to fight in Europe, and Shawn (Rider Strong) promises to marry Topanga (Danielle Fishel) if his pal doesn’t make it home.
“Hiller & Diller,” ABC at 9:30: Zane (Kyle Sabihy) amazes everyone by winning his school’s top math honors, but he disappoints his dad (Richard Lewis) by refusing to compete in the state mathematics championships. Not only that, Zane announces he moving in with the Hillers.
It’s mildly funny as, once again, Diller gets credit for making the best of being an inept parent.
“Homicide: Life on the Street,” NBC at 10: In a first-run episode, Pembleton and Falsone (Andre Braugher, Jon Seda) investigate the death of an elderly man who was killed by his grandson’s three pit bulls. Suspicions are raised when the grandson seems unaffected by the death.
Parents’ Pick
“Wishbone’s Dog Days of the West,” SHOW at 6: The popular PBS pooch stars in a full-length feature movie set in the Wild West and based on several short stories from O. Henry’s “Heart of the West.”
This Jack Russell terrier is fun to watch, and kids get great exposure to classic literature. Not many kids shows encourage youngsters to turn to books, and this is one of the best.
Cable Calls
“Discovery News,” DISC at 9: A report examines efforts by wildlife experts to save one of the world’s most fascinating animals in “Cry of the Tiger.” Among the frightening facts: There are an estimated 6,000 tigers living in the world, down 95 percent from the turn of the century.
“Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love” (1997), MAX at 10: The title is ample warning that this is an explicit movie. But it’s also an involved soap opera that speaks to many issues of 16th-century Indian culture.
The story revolves around two friends from childhood (Indira Valma, Sarita Choudhury), one a princess, the other a servant, who become bitter romantic rivals.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Neve Campbell (“Party of Five”) and actor Al Franken.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor John Cusack, actress Liv Tyler and singer David Bowie.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: Actor Patrick Stewart and model Veronica Webb.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Musical guest Marylou Lord.