Emmys Cast Spotlight On Daytime Viewing

Wed., May 22, 1996

John Martin New York Times Syndicate

Big problem: You taped your favorite soap operas while you were at work only to realize that tonight’s the night for the “Daytime Emmy Awards” (CBS at 9).

You’ll have to lean on the fast-forward button or miss daytime’s night of nights as Eric Braeden and Melody Thomas Scott (“The Young and the Restless”) host the 23rd annual ceremony.

Of course, it’s not just an evening for soap stars.

Daytime talk shows, games shows and children’s programs also are recognized. The gathering takes place at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall.

Performers include Rosie O’Donnell, Louie Anderson and David Copperfield. O’Donnell, who launches her own talk show next month, will be hoping she’ll be back next spring as a nominee.

Phil Donohue, who left the talk game this year, will receive a lifetime achievement award. And Susan Lucci is again up for an Emmy. She’s gone home empty-handed 15 times.

CBS kicks off the evening at 8 with a prime-time installment of “The Young and the Restless.”

Highlights

“JAG,” NBC at 8: This may be the last first-run episode of the military action-drama. It’s billed as the series’ season finale, and NBC last week announced the show will not be on the fall schedule.

Conducting a personal investigation of the murder of an old friend, Rabb (David James Elliott) tangles with a Navy detective (John Ashton) and punches out the primary suspect (Mark Kiley).

“Ellen,” ABC at 8: Mary Tyler Moore guest starred in this episode from February as Ellen (Ellen DeGeneres) sets out to rescue a giant lobster from a restaurant tank.

“Beverly Hills, 90210,” FOX at 8: Pauly Shore, The Goo Goo Dolls and a guest star whom FOX is slyly promoting as a “former cast member” appear in the two-hour-long season final.

The gang parties aboard the Queen Mary, courtesy of host Prince Carl (Nick Kiriazis). Valerie (Tiffani-Amber Thiessen) taps an FBI agent to help find Colin (Jason Wiles), and Brandon and Steve (Jason Priestly, Ian Ziering) duke it out in a bar brawl.

“PrimeTime Live,” ABC at 10: If cut-rate airline safety isn’t enough to worry about, check out Brian Ross’ report on potential dangers aboard commuter trains.

“Law & Order,” NBC at 10: Briscoe (Jerry Orbach), Curtis (Benjamin Bratt), McCoy (Sam Waterston) and Kincaid (Jill Hennessy) witness an execution in the opening scenes of the series season finale. They spend the rest of the hour wrestling with the roles they played in the man’s arrest, conviction and sentencing.

“American Masters,” KSPS at 8: Mike Nichols and Elaine May are profiled in this amusing hour that highlights their formative years as a comedy team.

He became a director (“The Graduate”). She became an actress, screenwriter and director (“Heaven Can Wait,” “Ishtar”). They worked together on “The Birdcage.”

Comedians Richard Lewis, Milton Berle, Steve Martin and Steve Allen and NBC newsman Tom Brokaw are among those who discuss Nichols and May’s comedy genius.

Cable Calls

“Stephen King’s ‘Needful Things”’ (1993), TBS at 5:05: The world premiere of the director’s cut includes more than an hour deleted from the original theatrical release.

Max von Sydow plays the mysterious old man who opens a curiosity shop in a tiny Maine town.

He asks for only one thing in return for the goods he sells: that the customer play a prank on a fellow citizen. It gets ugly. It was ugly at the box office, too.

Bonnie Bedelia, Ed Harris and Amanda Plummer co-star. Fraser C. Heston (Charlton’s son) directed.

“Jim Thorpe - All American” (1951), AMC at 5:30 and 10:15: Burt Lancaster will always be associated with his fine portrayal of the Native-American athlete who astounded the sports world but couldn’t outrun alcohol dependence. Charles Bickford is superb as Thorpe’s coach and mentor.

Talk Time

“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Heather Locklear (“Melrose Place”), Anthony Clark (“Boston Common”) and singer Suzanne Vega.

“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Author Joe Queenan and singer Al Green.

“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Musical guest Everything But The Girl.

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