‘Frasier’ Doesn’t Need Gimmicks To Get Laughs
The oh-so important sweeps period, when networks set advertising rates, is in full swing. The evidence is apparent with shows boasting celebrity guest spots (Naomi Judd on “3rd Rock from the Sun”; model Carol Alt on “Wings”) and shocking revelations such as Darlene’s surprised-filled wedding on “Roseanne” and Donna’s departure on “NYPD Blue.”
Over on “Frasier” (NBC at 9), this truly clever show needs neither gimmicks nor hype to garner an audience. Its knee-slapping episode entitled “Frasier Loves Roz” is peppered with the kind of self-effacing humor we’ve come to respect in this half-hour.
Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) tells Roz (Peri Gilpin) she’s been chasing after the wrong type of man. She should go after someone more like him.
Instead, she ends up with one of Niles’ patients - a notorious womanizer (Michael Mitz) who enjoys loving and leaving his women. Frasier’s efforts to dissuade Roz from dating the Don Juan are misunderstood, and she begins to think that Frasier is in love with her.
Often in sitcoms the side stories manage to turn up more laughs than the main plot. In this one, John Mahoney, the versatile actor who plays Frasier’s dad, pulls a few tricks during an effort to videotape himself for posterity. It’s a hoot.
So, put aside the hype and relax with the Cranes.
Highlights
“Savage Skis,” KSPS at 8: Remember Hurricane Andrew? The storm wreaked havoc in Florida, and this documentary details the terror. Also included is a segment on the Pacific Ocean current El Nino. The final hour is on snow.
“World’s Most Dangerous Animals II,” CBS at 8: Spiders, snakes, sharks, jellyfish and other creepy critters are profiled in this skin-crawling hour. Stacy Keach narrates. Yick.
“Roseanne,” ABC at 8: There’s never a dull moment in this half-hour in which Darlene (Sara Gilbert) hopes her father (John Goodman) will walk her down the aisle. Dan speaks his mind.
“3rd Rock from the Sun,” NBC at 8: Sally’s new boyfriend’s mom (Naomi Judd) has a distinctively pushy personality. This could be a funny one.
“Tornado!” (1996), FOX at 8: Can’t get away from weather. It’s twister madness with a storm chaser (Bruce Campbell) and a meteorologist (Ernie Hudson) dealing with an experimental warning device.
“Wings,” NBC at 8:30: Joe (Tim Daly) may just have to lie to Helen (Crystal Bernard) when a high school friend (Carol Alt) invites him out. Wasn’t this last week’s episode? And the one the week before that and the episode before that? “A Season in Purgatory” (1996), CBS at 9: There’s more sharp dialogue, manipulation and threats to see before this tale about a corrupt, rich and famous family comes to a close.
Eventually, Constant Bradley (Craig Sheffer) is charged with murder, and his powerful family circles the wagons to protect their own. Bonnie Bedelia plays Bradley’s tough-as-nails lawyer who pulls every trick in the book to get her client acquitted.
The true scene stealer in Part 2 is Blair Brown as the matriarch of the Bradley family. She’s deliciously wry as she plans for her long-awaited life as a widow.
“NYPD Blue,” ABC at 10: The drama serves up one of its more serious hours with the squad coping with a death that hits too close to home. Donna (Gail O’Grady) bids the 15th precinct adios.
Cable Calls
“Dusty” (1981), TMC at 7:30: This moving Australian film about a wild dingo raised from a puppy by an old man (Bill Kerr) will tug at your heartstrings. It’s a Disney-type movie that adults and children can both enjoy.
“Batman Forever” (1995), HBO at 8: Chris O’Donnell joins the action as Robin. Val Kilmer steps into the role of Batman and together the dynamic duo battle Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Anthony Edwards (“ER”) and actress Alyssa Milano.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Jane Seymour (“Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman”), Paul Reiser (“Mad About You”) and actor Keanu Reeves and his band, Dogstar.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Comedian Steven Wright.