‘Cracker’ Takes Dark Journey, Succeeds
I just don’t get it about the constant lament that there’s nothing good to watch on television. I can’t find time to watch all the strong shows.
A case in point is Thursday’s “Cracker” (ABC at 9), a series often crowded out because it’s opposite “Seinfeld” and “Veronica’s Closet” on NBC and CBS’ “Diagnosis Murder,” a seasoned series that, thanks to clever casting, has been showing a steady increase in ratings.
But “Cracker” continues to succeed with dark and often gruesome journeys into the criminal mind, flavored by the complex personality of Gerry “Fitz” Fitzgerald (Robert Pastorelli.) Tonight’s hour concerns the murder of a popular exotic dancer and porn star (Heather McComb) by her recently fired banker father, chillingly portrayed by Jeffrey DeMunn.
What’s best about the writing is that while we witness the murder early on, it takes a while for it to make sense. This isn’t a whodunit, it’s a why’d-he-do-it. Along the way, a stunning domestic development sends “Fitz” first to the emergency room and then to marriage counseling. You can imagine how well the cynical psychologist handles being on the couch with wife Judith (Carolyn McCormick).
Nothing good on television? Don’t say that until you’ve sampled Pastorelli’s performance in this gritty drama.
Highlights
“Living Single,” FOX at 8: In a plot borrowed from “Tootsie” and many other gender-bending comedies that came before, Synclaire (Kim Coles) disguises herself as a man to land a spot in an improv troupe. To be more convincing, she recruits husband Overton to stand in as her (his) “buddy.”
“Diagnosis Murder,” CBS at 9: Barry Van Dyke wrote this episode that guest stars his sons Carey and Shane. The plot concerns the maker of an extreme-motorcycle video (Carey) whose star rider is murdered. Shane plays a young cyclist who assumes the key role as Mark and Steve Sloan (Dick Van Dyke and Barry) investigate the killing.
“Seinfeld,” NBC at 9: Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld) dates a woman who is as comfortable without clothes on as she is with them; George (Jason Alexander) demands an apology from a recovering alcoholic in a 12-step program.
“ER,” NBC at 10: Carter (Noah Wyle) stands up for a patient’s rights, which leads to a run-in with a police officer. Also, Jeanie (Gloria Reuben) confronts Dr. Weaver (Laura Innes) and demands her right to work.
Cable Calls
“Slave Ship,” DSC at 9 and 1 a.m.: As Steven Spielberg’s “Amistad” opens nationwide, here’s a well-executed documentary on the slave-ship uprising that many say led to the end of the slave trade. The dramatizations are first-class, mixed well with historic documents and period art.
The Amistad incident was the only slave mutiny that resulted in slaves returning to Africa. It is a remarkable story, and this hour is a perfect companion to the movie. “Ships of Slaves: The Middle Passage” (HIS at 11) offers another view of this regrettable chapter of history.
“Town Hall,” COM at 11: Richard Belzer (“Homicide: Life on the Street”) hosts this year-in-review panel discussion that includes guests Arianna Huffington, Jonathan Katz, Ben Stein and A. Whitney Brown.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actress Emma Thompson, former President Jimmy Carter and musician Jackson Browne.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Nathan Lane and singer Bryan Adams.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m. (check local listings): Musical guest Imani Cappola.