‘Unsolved’ Wonders About Pabst Heir
A clever mix of dramatic stories and a few tall tales help make “Unsolved Mysteries” (NBC at 8) a thriving franchise.
Where else on the networks can you regularly see a terrifying unsolved crime dramatized in the same hour that features a centuries-old ghost story? And on many occasions there’s uplifting news of a recent mystery solved, thanks to the help of viewers.
Tonight’s telecast begins with two missing-persons reports.
Where are Brett Pabst, heir to the multimillion-dollar Pabst Brewing Co. fortune, and her architect husband Michael Eschweiler? An investigation has revealed some family secrets that may provide clues.
The search also is on for Jim Kimball, 24, a mentally disabled man who disappeared from his Illinois home in 1993.
In an update segment, you’ll see how a viewer tip led to the arrest of fugitive scam artist Manny Moreno. He bilked dozens of Pittsburgh senior citizens out of their life savings.
At large for three years, he was finally arrested by the Royal Canadian Police.
Rounding out the hour is a repeat report on a miracle baby who was born without a heartbeat and declared dead. He shocked doctors an hour and a half later when he showed signs of life.
He’s 5 now and in good health.
Highlights
“Strange Luck,” FOX at 8: A “wrong number” reintroduces Chance (D.B. Sweeney) to an ex-girlfriend (Frances Fisher) trying to escape from an abusive husband. He becomes too deeply involved, however, before learning that the woman has a way of permanently resolving domestic conflicts.
“Wall Street Week,” KSPS at 7:30: This show is the way many serious market-watchers end their week, and tonight there’s a compelling reason to tune in. The guest is Richard A. Grasso, chairman and chief executive officer of the New York Stock Exchange.
“Dateline NBC,” NBC at 9: Some people will find this morbid, but others will be moved by a visit with family members of the crew of the shuttle orbiter Challenger, which exploded during launch 10 years ago.
“Diagnosis Murder,” CBS at 9: Sally Jessy Raphael makes a cameo not as herself but as a police psychologist who works up a profile of a serial killer.
More series should follow this show’s lead. It’s a lot more interesting to see well-known personalities play characters - and take a shot at acting - instead of just playing themselves.
“Homicide: Life on the Street,” NBC at 10: Lily Tomlin guest-stars as a woman suspected of murdering her husband. When she escapes from the custody of detectives Lewis and Kellerman (Clark Johnson, Reed Diamond), police fear she’s out to kill again.
“Picket Fences,” CBS at 10: Art imitates life when Rome is blanketed by a blizzard. Viewers in the East belted by last week’s storm will identify with the inconvenience.
Bone (Ray Walston) has a heart attack, and Jill (Kathy Baker) gets stuck with Jimmy’s ex-wife (Cristine Rose). Guess who goes into labor while stranded at the police station?
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actress Sandra Bullock, John Lithgow (“3rd Rock From the Sun”) and singer Lisa Loeb.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: John Goodman (“Roseanne”) and Heather Locklear (“Melrose Place”). Repeat.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: David Alan Grier (“The Preston Episodes”), actress Illeana Douglas and musical guest John Pizzarelli.
xxxx CABLE CALLS New York Times Syndicate “Death and the Maiden” (1994), MAX at 8: Sit down for a challenging and utterly draining 105 minutes of drama from this tense adaptation of Ariel Dorfman’s award-winning play. Sigourney Weaver stars as a woman who confronts a man (Ben Kingsley) she believes raped and tortured her when she was a political prisoner. “Figure Skating,” ESPN at 7: Nicole Bobek defends her title in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships from San Jose, Calif. Tonight it’s the finals of the ladies’ short program. Last year’s runner-up, Michelle Kwan, is a top contender.