‘Judgment’ Traces Steps To Execution

Television is at its best when it takes us new places, and that’s just what ABC’s “PrimeTime Live” at 10 does in “Judgment at Midnight.”

Reporter Cynthia McFadden spent several days in March with Antonio James, a Louisiana State Penitentiary inmate awaiting execution. The hour follows James “from cell block, to execution chamber, to preparation of the lethal injection.”

One thing that makes James’ case provocative is the close relationship he developed with Warden Burl Cain. Sharing a common faith in God, the two men forged an unusual friendship.

Cain openly discusses his mixed feelings about the death penalty.

One reason ABC was allowed to record James’ final days is Cain’s conviction that people should “walk in his shoes” before forming an opinion on capital punishment.

The hour (unavailable for review) asks viewers to look at the criminal with compassion and to ask whether you can feel good about the taking of a life.

Some may wonder why it doesn’t focus more on the families of the two elderly men James murdered 17 years ago.

Highlights

“JAG,” NBC at 8: Rabb (David James Elliott) races against time to investigate the death of a Navy pilot before Congress shuts down an elite covert operations unit. Rabb uncovers a plan by a corrupt general to go ahead with a planned drug raid with his own mercenaries and make off with the contraband. Repeat. (Grid listing elswehere on this page was prepared before current scheduling was announced.)

“Here Come the Bride, There Goes the Groom,” CBS at 8: DeLane Matthews (“Dave’s World”) hosts a repeat of this “Funniest Home Videos” rip-off that features wedding disasters and wacky ways that couples exchange vows.

It’s classic short attention-span programming - just right if you’re in the mood for doing something else.

“Hudson Street,” ABC at 8:30: Tony (Tony Danza) and the gang take a little trip down memory lane when they pack up for a move to the precinct’s new location. It seems odd that characters in a series that was canceled in its first season get misty-eyed about the good old days.

“Picket Fences,” CBS at 9: Tom Skerritt directed this episode, which covers familiar territory. When an Amish girl (Kelli Williams) is raped, she refuses to testify against her assailant because of her religious beliefs.

The plot thickens when the accused is set free and rapes again.

“Party of Five,” FOX at 9: Baby Owen (Porter Taylor) is hospitalized with a fever, causing the Salinger siblings to wonder if they are equipped to care for the toddler. Also, Kirsten (Paula Devicq) finds out that Charlie (Matthew Fox) has been a bad boy. Repeat.

“The Faculty,” ABC at 9:30: Shelly (Constance Shulman) surprises Flynn (Meredith Baxter) when she helps motivate a student who is as cynical as herself. Also, Luis (Miguel A. Nunez) attempts to save Herb (Peter Michael Goetz) from his unhealthy eating habits. It’s another fun turn by Goetz, the canceled comedy’s brightest light.

Cable Call

“Chasing the Dragon” (1996), LIF at 9: Markie Post (“Hearts Afire,” “Night Court”) chews scenery in this melodrama about a single mom who becomes addicted to heroin.

One taste of the powder and Gwen Kessler (Post) becomes a monster, stealing from her 12-year-old son’s (Noah Fleiss) savings and verbally abusing anyone who tries to get her to acknowledge her self-destructive behavior.

Television is frequently guilty of mishandling the portrayal of drug addiction, but rarely is the subject so carelessly approached.

The made-for-cable film has little more to say than drugs are bad. Otherwise it’s mostly about Post blathering on, looking progressively more like Michael Keaton in “Beetlejuice.”

Dennis Boutsikaris co-stars as Gwen’s boyfriend. Peter Frechette plays the co-worker who gives her the “sample” that leads to instant addiction.

Talk Time

“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Jeff Foxworthy (“The Jeff Foxworthy Show”), director Bernardo Bertolucci and singer Alison Krauss.

“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor James Caan, actress Julie White and singer Patti Smith.

“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Comedian Rich Hall and musical guest Goldfinger.