Drop In On ‘The Boys Next Door’
Friendly, witty and warm “The Boys Next Door,” CBS Sunday at 9, based on Tom Griffin’s popular off-Broadway play of the same name, deserves a visit.
The tale is about four lovable, developmentally disabled men (played by Michael Jeter, Nathan Lane, Robert Sean Leonard and Courtney B. Vance) who live in a halfway house in a tree-lined, middle-class neighborhood.
Highlights
“Hope & Gloria,” NBC tonight at 9: In this humorous episode, a rarity for this often lackluster half-hour, Lisa Kudrow dons her alter ego Phoebe Buffay from “Friends.” She delightfully confuses the roommates who spot her in New York City.
“Splash” (1984), ABC tonight at 9: You can dive right in again and again to director Ron Howard’s romantic comedy about a mermaid (Daryl Hannah) who falls for a confirmed bachelor (Tom Hanks). Repeat.
“Masterpiece Theatre,” KSPS Sunday and Monday at 8: Two-part “The Final Cut” completes a trilogy started in 1991 about politically ambitious Francis Urquhart (Ian Richardson).
In 1991’s “House of Cards,” upwardly mobile Urquhart became prime minister. In 1994’s “To Play the King,” he took over Parliament.
In this installment, Urquhart looks for even bigger fish to fry. Diane Fletcher is a standout as Urquhart’s equally ambitious wife.
“The Simpsons,” FOX Sunday at 8: Tom Kite of the Professional Golfers’ Association pegs Homer as a rare golf talent in an uproarious outing involving Marge’s new designer outfit and an exclusive country club.
“Gulliver’s Travels,” NBC Sunday and Monday at 9: Think before you leap into this four-hour arduous trek to fictitious lands of little people, giants and talking horses. Even Jonathan Swift, whose novel on which this 1726 tale is based, would yawn at this adaptation.
Movie Marquee
“True Grit” (1969), TBS tonight at 5:05: An Oscar went to John Wayne for his portrayal of a sour, old marshal. He helps a 14-year-old girl (Kim Darby) find her father’s killer in this notable adaptation of Charles Portis’ book.
xxxx Cable Calls “Star Trek Generations” (1994), HBO tonight at 8: The cast of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” embarked on a mission to star in a major film, and these folks were a hit. “Paula Poundstone,” HBO tonight at 10: Comedian Poundstone delivers a 60-minute stand-up performance in which she lampoons aging, politics and parents.