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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Contrived ‘Shoot Me’ Kiss Exposes Feelings

John Martin New York Times Syndicate

NBC’s “Just Shoot Me” at 8:30 serves up an entertaining half-hour in which Maya (Laura San Giacomo) helps co-worker Elliott (Enrico Colantoni) land the perfect rent-controlled apartment.

It seems the place is owned by a little old lady who doesn’t get out much.

She still thinks a ride on the New York City subways costs 25 cents. No wonder she only wants $200 a month for the beautiful apartment.

But she doesn’t like renting to singles. And that’s why Maya poses as Elliott’s wife.

You wouldn’t expect much from this often-used comic device. Yet there’s a pleasant surprise when Elliott and Maya’s feigned kiss sets off unexpected sparks.

Adding to the charm is how the naive landlady turns out to be anything but.

Meanwhile, writers get more great mileage out of Finch (David Spade), whose honesty is put to the test after his boss Jack (George Segal) finds out he’s been running a scam involving a company parking spot - Jack’s parking spot.

I get a kick out all these characters. Segal and Spade trade lines like a comedy duo that’s been at it for years. Adorable San Giacomo lights up every scene.

And tonight there’s romance in the air.

Is this show hot? It has increased its ratings 40 percent over last season. And last week it outscored its “Friends” lead-in by 3 percent in the key adults 18-49 demographic segment.

Highlights

“Basketball,” CBS at 4:30: The road to the NCAA Final Four resumes with a semifinal doubleheader.

“Friends,” NBC at 8: Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) throws a farewell party for Emily (Helen Baxendale) for the sole purpose of inviting Joshua (played by Aniston’s real-life love interest, Tate Donovan). But her plans to put the moves on him lead to humiliation.

“Busted On the Job!” FOX at 8: Surveillance cameras in the workplace capture people in compromising acts, including at least one that is really gross. This is not one of FOX’s stronger reality-based specials. Repeat.

“Seinfeld,” NBC at 9: Jerry counsels George on how to leave ‘em wanting more at the office. Jerry’s new girlfriend (Cindy Ambuehl) has a secret past involving a tractor. Puddy (Patrick Warburton) decides Elaine’s soul is doomed to hell.

In a second episode at 10, a repeat, George’s father (Jerry Stiller) persuades the gang to celebrate “Festivus,” a noncommercial, nonreligious alternative to Christmas and Hanukkah. (Postponed from last week.)

“Waterworld” (1995), ABC at 9: In the concluding Part 2, the Mariner (Kevin Costner) continues his battle with Deacon (Dennis Hopper). Maybe the additional footage in this television presentation will redeem Costner, who directed as well as starred in what was, before “Titanic,” the most expensive movie ever made.

“New York Undercover,” FOX at 9: An investigation into a moneylaundering operation in a Cuban neighborhood leads to the CIA … and to the gang responsible for the death of Moreno’s (Lauren Valez) husband.

“Frasier,” NBC at 10:30: Everyone heads off on a winter holiday, with Daphne (Jane Leeves) inviting along a sexy friend (Cynthia Lamontagne) who gets Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) worked into a dither.

Cable Calls

“Awake to Danger” (1995), LIFE at 9: This plot is so hackneyed it’s become a joke.

A woman with amnesia (she’s come out of a monthslong coma) fears that she’s remembering that an important man in her life is a killer.

In this case, the woman is Tori Spelling (“Beverly Hills, 90210”). How’s that for a good reason to tune out?

Michael Gross (“Family Ties”), Holland Taylor (“The Powers That Be”), Reed Diamond (“Homicide: Life on the Street”) and Laura Johnson co-star.

Talk Time

“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Billy Crystal and singer Wynonna.

“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Pierce Brosnan and comedian Brian Regan. Repeat.

“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: Sally Jessy Raphael and Brian McKnight.

“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Julianna Margulies (“ER”) and “Queen of Sexploitation” Doris Wishman.