‘High Incident’ Gets Another Start

A question that will be answered this fall is whether viewers have the time and energy to latch on to yet another good prime-time crime series. ABC’s “High Incident,” a surprise midseason drama, is on the network’s 1996-97 schedule.

One thing that the series has going for it is that it will air at 8 - a time slot where we don’t often see hard-hitting hourlong dramas. The bad news is that it will run on Thursdays opposite NBC’s powerhouse lineup.

ABC will repeat the original episodes, starting tonight at 8.

David Keith heads a largely unknown cast of characters portraying Los Angeles police officers. The premiere, seen tonight, features an excellent script.

The “incidents,” which range from domestic squabbles to a jolting homicide, are stylish and compelling.

If you missed the series the first time around, here’s a chance to get caught up and decide if you can wedge it into your fall viewing plan.

Highlights

“The World’s Most Dangerous Animals,” CBS at 8: Wild animals can be violent and dangerous, as demonstrated in this hair-raising hour narrated by Stacy Keach. You’ll see film of attacks by elephants, bears, sharks, snakes and other dangerous animals.

Redeeming the telecast is a discussion on reasons why animals attack and advice on how to avoid these bloody encounters.

“Friends,” NBC at 8: After soap-star Joey (Matt LeBlanc) moves to a luxury apartment, Chandler (Matthew Perry) gets a new roommate, Eddie (Adam Goldberg). The new roomie turns out to be from the planet Bizarro, which provided fun for several episodes last season.

Also, this is the one in which Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) makes the “Smelly Cat” video.

“Frasier,” NBC at 8:30: The Tuesday show gets a Thursday airing in this repeat that finds Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) becoming a local hero after word spreads that he straightened out a rude customer (John Cygan) at the coffee bar.

“American Gothic,” CBS at 9: In the series finale, the investigation of Buck’s murder continues as Caleb begins to realize he has inherited the sheriff’s evil powers. Expect to see Buck (Gary Cole) one more time before the spooky drama rests in peace.

“The Commish: Father Image,” ABC at 9: Scali (Michael Chiklis) gets help from his former mentor (Darren McGavin) in the investigation of a string of murders. Repeat.

“48 Hours,” CBS at 10: Cameras take you behind the scenes on location for the film “A Time to Kill,” starring Sandra Bullock and Samuel L. Jackson.