‘Millennium’ Comes Back To Earth
From Chris Carter, creator of “The X-Files,” comes “Millennium,” the show FOX hopes will be its next cult hit.
But “X-Files” fans may be disappointed when they tune in tonight at 9 for a story that has both feet firmly on the ground. There are no alien abductions and no creepy unexplained phenomena.
Lance Henriksen stars as Frank Black, a former FBI agent whose sixth sense gives him “vivid flashes of insight” into the motives of serial killers. Recently moved to Seattle with his wife (Megan Gallagher) and daughter (Brittany Tiplady), he wants out of an elite government strike force known as the Millennium Group. But duty beckons when he’s called in to stop yet another killer.
I liked the atmosphere, and the graphic, disturbing images set this apart from any other crime drama you’ve ever seen. But Henriksen’s stoic portrayal makes this hour seem longer than it should.
Most disappointing is the religious rhetoric that forms the core of the first case. The twisting of scripture into justification for murderous “purifying” is hardly a new device.
You’d expect more from Carter. Hopefully, the best is yet to come.
Highlights
“Family Matters,” ABC at 8: Jaleel White hams it up again in this silly but entertaining Halloween episode in which Urkel’s look-alike puppet, Stevil, comes to life and terrorizes the Winslow family. Or so it seems.
“Unsolved Mysteries,” NBC at 8: Among the stories, a profile of Laurie Cabot, a Salem, Mass., witch who has allegedly helped police solve crimes. Also, a report on Drug Enforcement Administration agent Richard Fass, murdered in Phoenix on the night of what was to have been his last undercover operation.
“Dateline NBC,” NBC at 9: A report on slavery in the Sudan reveals that people “are bought and sold like cattle.” The grim details include allegations of rape, beatings and even the maiming of those who try to escape.
A more frivolous segment features authors Ellen Fein and Sherrie Schneider, who dispense old-fashioned advice on how to find a husband.
“Sabrina, the Teenage Witch,” ABC at 9: Needless to say, Halloween is an important holiday for Sabrina (Melissa Joan Hart). Torn between a party and an annual witches coven, she casts a spell that allows her to be in both places at once. Her trick turns out to be no treat. Sally Jessy Raphael guest stars.
Parents’ Picks
“Boo to You, Too! Winnie the Pooh,” CBS at 8:30: Lovable Piglet is missing out on the fun of Halloween because he’s too scared to join in. Hence, Pooh decides to cancel the holiday. Before he can, a confused and terrified Piglet runs away. This is great animated fun for the kids as Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore set out to find their friend and save the day.
CBS begins the evening with the classic “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” at 8, which marks its 30th year on the air.
Cable Calls
“Rattled” (1996), USA at 9: In a familiar plot, animals terrorize unsuspecting citizens. This time it’s diamondback rattlesnakes, awakened by a construction crew and slithering through a planned community. William Katt and Shanna Reed star as the development’s architect and his wife.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Aidan Quinn, actress Minnie Driver and reptile expert Clyde Peeling.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Jimmy Smits (“NYPD Blue”) and actor John Leguizamo.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor-comedian Jon Lovitz, Ally Walker (“Profiler”) and musical guest Rusted Root.