Abc Airing Rancid Replay Of Fight
The Mike Tyson-Evander Holyfield debacle may be old news. To millions of people who missed it live on pay-per-view, however, and later on Showtime, another replay will be their first look at the June 28 heavyweight bout.
The fight replay, airing at 10 on ABC, might be the big TV event of the season. But I wouldn’t blame anyone for boycotting the telecast.
It will leave a bad taste in your mouth, and not just because of Tyson’s animalistic behavior. This telecast represents more money being made off the fight - part of the hefty payoff Tyson reaped, despite putting the bite on his opponent.
And can’t we expect, any day now, the announcement of a Tyson-Holyfield rematch?
Boxing is full of ironies. What kind of sport is it anyway, when the sole objective is to render your opponent unconscious by what would be regarded as assault and battery in any other circumstance?
Instead, it’s one of television’s most lucrative properties.
By its nature, pay-per-view is mercenary and faceless.
Consequently there would be no fallout from putting Tyson back in the ring.
Today, the networks are minor players, strictly in the replay business.
But back when ABC, CBS and NBC were the only venue for championship boxing, Tyson’s career would have ended with his rape conviction. The networks wouldn’t have soiled their reputations for a few million bucks.
Ah, the good old days.
Highlights
“Promised Land,” CBS at 8: Josh and Dinah (Austin O’Brien, Sarah Schaub) come to the aid of a rabbi who is the victim of a hate crime. Rue McClanahan guest-stars as a reluctant witness. Repeat.
“Martin,” FOX at 8: It wasn’t often this series made a relevant point. But in this repeat, Martin (Martin Lawrence) remarks on his talk show that any man can beat any woman at anything.
Gina and Pam (Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold) challenge him to a little basketball - with help from members of the U.S. Olympic women’s hoop squad. Repeat.
“Turning Point,” ABC at 9: From 1994 is an interview with Eric Smith, convicted at age 14 of murdering a 4-year-old boy.
“New York Undercover,” FOX at 9: Stevie Wonder has a cameo in this touching episode revolving around the death of a child. Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers are musical guests. Repeat.
“3rd Rock From the Sun,” NBC at 9:30: Dick (John Lithgow) is ordered to take sensitivity training in this delightful and hilarious repeat. Harry Morgan (“MASH”) guest-stars.
“48 Hours,” CBS at 10: Repeat segments include a 1992 report on the Elvis craze - alive and well two decades after Presley’s death. Also, the story of the mysterious disappearance of three Springfield, Mo., women.
Cable Calls
“Wes Craven’s New Nightmare” (1994), TNT at 5: Director Craven and “A Nightmare on Elm Street” stars Robert Englund and Heather Langenkamp play themselves in this intelligent thriller based on the premise that horrid Freddy Krueger (played again by Englund) is a real person acting out Craven’s next “Nightmare” script.
“Elvis in Hollywood,” VH-1 at 7: As the title implies, this hourlong documentary focuses on Presley’s feature films.
“Paul Monette: The Brink of Summer’s End,” MAX at 11:30: This 90-minute-long biography/memoir of acclaimed writer and poet Monette forms a bittersweet story. Two of his companions died of AIDS before he was struck down in 1995.
The film by Monte Bramer and Lesli Klainberg won best documentary awards at the Sundance Film Festival and the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Linda Hunt narrates, and Jonathan Fried reads from Monette’s works.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Gary Sinise and kid inventors.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actress Goldie Hawn and comedian Louie C.K. Repeat.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Actress Laura Innes.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actress Rosie Perez, actor Michael Rappaport and musical guest Wilco.