Take A Delightful Swim With ‘Dolphin’
Sharon Lawrence (“NYPD Blue,” “Fired Up”) hosts “Touched By a Dolphin” (ABC at 10), an up-close and personal look at one of the ocean world’s most fascinating creatures.
You see lots of stars who merely lend their names and a little time in the narration booth to shows such as this. Not Lawrence.
She’s a scuba diver who fulfills a lifelong dream of getting close enough to touch the sleek and intelligent sea mammals in their natural habitat, as well as learn more about them from some of the world’s leading experts.
Lawrence travels to such faraway destinations as Honduras, Brazil and Australia. When she’s not asking informed questions, she does a fine job of describing the wonders she’s taking in.
One of her stops is at a Brazilian village where generations of fisherman have been assisted by dolphins.
In Australia, several dolphins use sea sponges to protect their noses as they forage for food on the ocean floor. It’s the only known instance of mammals using “tools” in their daily routines.
Many may have a complaint about this special. Lawrence observes dolphins in captivity at a marine theme park without comment on whether holding the magnificent animals in tanks and making them jump through hoops is fair treatment.
Aside from that, any kid who has seen “Flipper” or anyone who loves nature will enjoy Lawrence’s colorful journey.
Highlights
“Jenny,” NBC at 8:30: This series hasn’t generated much of a buzz, and I don’t think giving it a Monday airing will spark any more enthusiasm. Jenny and Maggie (Jenny McCarthy, Heather Paige Kent) get caught in an elaborate lie when they try to hook Jenny up with a good-looking guy.
“Cybill,” CBS at 9: In an episode set in the year 2027, Cybill and Maryann (Cybill Shepherd, Christine Baranski) come across an old diary entry that sparks a fight. To iron it out, they have to travel back 30 years to 1997.
“Caroline in the City,” NBC at 9: Caroline (Lea Thompson) refuses to endorse a politician (Jim Abele) who loves her comic strip, and Richard (Malcolm Gets) regrets selling a painting to the guy. But Del (Eric Lutes) thinks the councilman is swell.
“Football,” ABC at 6: The Green Bay Packers (9-3) visit the Minnesota Vikings (8-4).
Parents’ Pick
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” CBS at 8: Television’s longest-running holiday special rolls around. Burl Ives narrates the animated tale that builds on Johnny Marks’ popular song.
Cable Calls
“Masters of Fantasy: Douglas Adams,” SCI at 7:30: The half-hour examines the enormous popularity of Adams’ “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Universe” as well as his new book, “Starship Titanic,” which also will be released as a CD-ROM interactive game. Interviewed are Terry Jones (“Monty Python’s Flying Circus”) and Joseph Stephano (“The Outer Limits”).
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actress Halle Berry, actor Matt Damon and cast members of the Broadway musical “Chicago.”
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Tom Hanks, actress Joan Plowright and music group the Gipsy Kings.
“The Late Late Show With Tom Snyder,” CBS at 12:35 a.m.: Actress Debbie Reynolds.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Musician John Tesh, actress Joan Cusack and musical guest Squirrel Nut Zipper. Repeat.