Burnett, O’Connor Spice Up 100th ‘Mad’
World class.
How better to describe Carol Burnett and Carroll O’Connor, who guest-star as Jamie’s parents on a freewheeling “Mad About You” (NBC at 8)?
Jamie (Helen Hunt) anticipates the arrival of her parents with considerable dread. They don’t disappoint, showing up in New York City in a tiny recreational vehicle with plans for embarking on a cross-country tour.
But after a riotous dinner aboard the cramped cottage on wheels, a cold war breaks out and Jamie’s mom and dad decide to separate. Mom announces she’ll be moving into the Buchman’s apartment.
Casting O’Connor and Burnett is a treat for “Mad” viewers who remember the veteran cutups from “The Carol Burnett Show” and “All in the Family.”
Burnett provides most of the laughs with her wonderful knack for physical comedy. The dinner scene seems tailormade for her goofy style.
O’Connor is fun as an in-law with whom Paul (Paul Rieser) finds it impossible to maintain a conversation. They’re a blast as spectators at a New York Jets football game.
Tonight marks the 100th episode of “Mad About You.” Producers came up with a fine way to celebrate. Here’s hoping we haven’t seen the last of Burnett and O’Connor in this classy comedy.
Highlights
“Alien Nation: The Enemy Within” (1996), FOX at 8: The “Alien Nation” franchise is wearing thin. Gone is the humor, one of the most endearing aspects of the FOX movies.
In another convoluted plot, outcast Newcomers are responsible for a series of frightening deaths. George and Matt’s (Eric Pierpoint, Gary Graham) investigation leads to an underground world of mutant Newcomers.
Meanwhile, a handsome co-worker (Joe Lando of CBS’ “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman”) makes a play for George’s wife, Susan (Michele Scarabelli).
“Nova,” KSPS at 7: “Top Gun Over Moscow” is a rare look at what is left of the elite Russian fighter squadron that protects the capital of the former Soviet Union. These pilots are still among the finest in the world, but they now must perform in air shows and sell rides to raise funds.
“To Face Her Past” (1996), CBS at 9: Patty Duke stars as a woman who must reveal past secrets to save her daughter’s life. When told her daughter (Tracey Gold) has leukemia, the determined mother (What other kind does Duke play?) goes searching for a daughter (Gabrielle Carteris) she gave up as a teenager, hoping the long-lost half-sister will be a match for a bone-marrow transplant.
David Ogden Stiers and James Brolin co-star. Unavailable for review.
“Home Improvement,” ABC at 9: Jill (Patricia Richardson) is visited by her three sisters, which makes life miserable for Tim (Tim Allen). The solution? The Tool Man and his sons camp out in the back yard.
“Frasier,” NBC at 9: Niles (David Hyde Pierce) fills in for Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) at the radio station and helps a slumping member of the NBA Seattle Supersonics return to winning form.
“NYPD Blue,” ABC at 10: In a follow-up to one of last season’s most memorable episodes, Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) deals with his racism when he investigates the drug-related death of black activist Kwasi Olushola. It’s another sterling performance by Emmy-winner Franz as Sipowicz digs deep into his past to understand his prejudice.
Cable Calls
“Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel,” HBO at 10: The sports series looks at Shaquille O’Neal’s move from the Orlando Magic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Also, a report takes stock of how the Green Bay Packers are doing as a publicly owned franchise.
“The Money Pit” (1986), TNT at 8: Every homeowner’s nightmare is toyed with in this slapstick comedy starring Tom Hanks and Shelley Long as owners of an old fixer-upper that falls down around them.