‘Goosebumps’ Sure To Give The Willies
The latest “Goosebumps” prime-time special (FOX at 8) is another chiller for the preteen set from junior horror master R.L. Stine.
“The Werewolf of Fever Swamp” stars Brendan Fletcher as Grady Tucker, a youngster whose scientist mom and dad (Geoffrey Bowes, Maria Ricossa) have moved to the rural wetlands to conduct research with a small herd of deer they plan to tag and release.
Grady is bored stiff until he stumbles into (literally) a menacing old hermit (Don Francks) who lives deep in the swamp. And when his new friend Will (Michael Barry) tells him that the swamp is haunted by a werewolf, Grady fears that the old man may put the bite on his family.
His parents, naturally, think he’s imagining everything - even the hermit. Stine knows kids love stories about young characters who understand things their parent’s can’t.
This yarn is a dandy when it turns out that there really is a werewolf.
“Goosebumps” may be for kids, but it’s produced with the same intensity as adult horror films. I dare say, the werewolf in this movie is as frightening as the one in the recent Jack Nicholson film but (parents will be grateful) without the blood.
FOX good-naturedly warns that the hour is rated “GB-7 - Too spooky for kids under 7.” That’s about right, I’d say. Older kids will get a good, healthy scare out of this hair-raising tale.
Highlights
“Family Matters,” ABC at 8: In a lab accident, Urkel (Jaleel White) accidentally clones himself. Make it three Urkels when Stefan Urquelle (Urkel’s alter ego) shows up.
The “Family” season finale is followed by the last first-run shows of the season for “Boy Meets World” at 8:30 and “Step By Step” at 9.
“Nash Bridges,” CBS at 8: CBS is so giddy over the success of Don Johnson’s new police drama that it doesn’t want it pre-empted by a beauty pageant.
In this one-time 8 o’clock airing, Bridges investigates a murder his ex-wife (Annette O’Toole) witnessed but no one else believes took place.
“Miss Universe Pageant,” CBS at 9: Marla Maples Trump (who will make several wardrobe changes) and Bob Goen host the event from Las Vegas, Nev. Contestants from 80 countries, including Miss USA l996 Ali Landry of Louisiana, compete.
“Dateline NBC,” NBC at 9: Correspondent Victoria Corderi has an upsetting story about 47 women who say the were raped by a recovery-room nurse in a Florida hospital. Bruce Alan Young has been convicted of assaulting seven anesthetized patients.
“20/20,” ABC at 10: A report questions whether home smoke detectors provide the warning their manufacturers promise.
“Homicide: Life on the Street,” NBC at 10: In a wrenching season finale, Pembleton and Bayliss (Andre Braugher, Kyle Secor) investigate a double homicide at a fast-food restaurant, while Lewis and Kellerman (Clark Johnson, Reed Diamond) take on a case in which the murder weapon was a bowling ball.
Producers have made critics promise not to spoil the explosive cliff-hanger ending. All I’ll say is that it is a horrifying moment that stuns the entire department.
Series fans should be sure not to miss this one.
Cable Calls
“Bird on a Wire” (1990), USA at 9: Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn were paired in this unremarkable action comedy that has star power but little punch. Gibson plays an informant in the federal witness-protection program whom drug thugs want dead. He reunites with his former girlfriend (Hawn) and, to no surprise, their romance eventually is reborn.
“Barbarella” (1967), TMC at 12:25 a.m.: Made to order for insomniacs is this campy sci-fi adventure based on a French comic strip. The only reason to watch is to see Jane Fonda in the earliest days of her career.
She’s just innocent enough to make the silly thing work. And, gosh, it’s so nice to see her anywhere without Ted Turner at her side.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Michael J. Fox, actress Janeane Garofalo and musical group Gin Blossoms.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Helen Hunt (“Mad About You”), comedian Harry Hill and music group Dave Matthews Band.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor Tony Roberts.