Lee’s Show Pretentious, Self-Glorifying
The press release CBS put out for “Kathie Lee: We Need a Little Christmas” (CBS at 10) says that Kathie Lee Gifford “welcomes the holiday season with family and friends.”
What a dilemma!
She can’t bring herself to embrace (emotionally or physically) her wayward husband Frank. But neither can she overcome her annual obsession with being the shining Christmas star at the center of a picture-perfect family.
At the end of this music-filled hour Frank walks out from the wings - without an introduction - for his only appearance. “Merry Christmas, everyone,” Kathie Lee says to the audience. “Come on, honey. Let’s go home,” Frank says, in a way that suggests he’s rehearsed the line since Thanksgiving. And off they walk, closing the show, barely making eye contact.
You get the feeling that Frank is only home for the holidays briefly before being sent back to the dog house.
He’s treated more like a prop than a husband. For that matter, so are mommie dearest’s two children who are seen, but not heard, in the telecast.
The hour, originating from Bristol, Tenn., features The Greater Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra accompanying Kathie Lee and guests Kenny Rogers, Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans and The Broadway Kids singers.
The Giffords’ Christmas specials have been criticized in the past for being pretentious and self-glorifying. It still sticks.
Highlights
“Players,” NBC at 8: The ex-cons go after a recently paroled stock swindler they hope to expose by getting him to reveal hidden assets in a high-stakes poker game.
“The Visitor,” FOX at 8: The network repeats the series premiere, which explains how Adam (John Corbett) crash-landed on earth and why he immediately became hunted by the FBI and the military. After impressive special effects (by television standards), it settles down to a typical “Fugitive”-style chaseand-evade tale.
“Dateline NBC,” NBC at 9: A hidden-camera report reveals how people rip off insurance companies by filling out fake death claims.
“Teen Angel,” ABC at 9:30: It’s a second time around for the series premiere, in which Steve is visited by his dead friend Marty (Mike Damus). You may cringe at some of the jokes referring to Marty’s demise.
Cable Calls
“Year in Rock ‘97,” MTV at 7: Fiona Apple, Marilyn Manson, Sean “Puffy” Combs and Jamiroquai front man Jay Kay host the year-end special. They reflect on the success they’ve had this year as well as on other top music stories. Highlights include a look at breakthrough artists The Wallflowers, Jamiroquai, Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott, Fiona Apple and Erykah Badu, and the return of Jane’s Addiction, Fleetwood Mac and The Rolling Stones.
Other artists profiled include The Spice Girls, Marilyn Manson and the late Notorious B.I.G.
“Swingers,” (1996), SHO at 8: Jon Fever and Vine are two guys waiting for their big break in Hollywood. They hang out in a coffee shop and show up in clubs and at parties looking for “honey babes.” It’s believable in a Hollywood sort of way with amusing dialogue and strong performances.
“Skating Romance III: Love Is in the Air,” USA at 9: Love songs and graceful skaters make this a pleasurable two-hour-long special.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35 : Quirts Alley (“Veronica’s Closet”), boxer George Forman and Trey Parker and Matte Stone (“South Park”).
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35 : Actor Jerry and comedian Match Fatal.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Masher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m. (Check local listings): TAB.