Abc Unleashes ‘Monkees’ On Prime Time
A generation of fans will want to see ABC’s “Hey, Hey, It’s the Monkees” at 8.
And what does the network have to lose? If the reunion episode of the 1966-68 ABC comedy is dumb, it shouldn’t bother anyone. It was always dumb.
But, ah, there’s the rub. “The Monkees” dispensed a zany dumbness at a time when America was struggling with heavy issues. The show was an amusing escape from the Vietnam War and racial violence that clouded the post-Camelot era.
Does it work in the ‘90s with guys in their 50s?
Unfortunately the hour was not available for review. But here’s what’s up: The Monkees, still together, still struggling and still nutty, land a gig at a prestigious but failing country club.
The band’s future, as well as the club’s, hangs in the balance.
The boys perform a medley of hits, including “The Last Train to Clarksville,” “I’m a Believer,” “Daydream Believer” and “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” as well as some new songs.
A recent Disney Channel special conspicuously sidestepped what the Monkees sound like today. What was heard briefly wasn’t easy on the ears.
We’ll find out tonight if these guys can still sound like The Monkees or if they’re just monkeying around.
Highlights
“The Jeff Foxworthy Show,” NBC at 8: Terry Bradshaw, whose stock just keeps going up, gueststars as a motivational guru who earns the worship of Jeff’s pal, Bill (Bill Engvall).
“Mr. Rhodes,” NBC at 8:30: It’s bedlam when a rich graduate (guest-star Pauly Shore) buys Harken Academy and takes charge. Shore plays a malcontent (great casting) who is getting his revenge on his alma mater.
“The American Comedy Awards,” ABC at 9: There’s not much suspense here unless you have a short memory. The awards, taped a week ago Sunday, got enough press that the winners were plastered all over newspapers and television.
It remains, however, an entertaining show with celebrities galore and themed segments that recall great moments in comedy.
“Asteroid” (1997), NBC at 9: By tonight’s second hour it’s all downhill in an improbable conclusion that centers around Lily’s (Annabella Sciorra) search for her son (Zachary B. Charles). If ever one of television’s “big events” ended with a whimper instead of a bang, this is the one.
“The American Experience,” KSPS at 9: The hour details the construction of the New York subway system, which opened in 1904. The project changed New York City and mass transit forever.
“Cybill,” CBS at 9:30: Tom Wopat returns as Cybill’s “other” ex-husband, Jeff.
Things have been going so well he’s able to pull some strings and restart Cybill’s flagging career by getting them roles as co-stars in an action movie. But he can’t get through the love scenes without cracking up.
“Chicago Hope,” CBS at 10: Isabella Rossellini continues her outstanding guest role as Austin’s friend, Marina. Having given up on having a baby, she is introduced to a pregnant unwed teenager looking for a good mother.
Meanwhile, Austin and Wilmette (Christine Lahti, Ron Silver) testify before a Senate subcommittee on health care. Sen. Edward Kennedy and Jack Kemp make cameo appearances.
Cable Calls
“Biography,” A&E at 5 and 9: “Lyndon B. Johnson: Triumph and Tragedy” profiles the 36th president’s rise from a job as a congressman’s secretary to the highest office of the land. But his presidency ended in disappointment as the war in Vietnam derailed any hope he had of building his “Great Society” at home.
Lady Bird and Luci Baines Johnson and biographers Doris Kearns Goodwin and Robert Dallek are among those who reflect on LBJ’s life and times.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Kevin Bacon, animal expert Joan Embery and musical group The Bacon Brothers.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Michael J. Fox (“Spin City”), actress Laura Linney and music group Blackstreet.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Patrick Duffy, Maria Conchita Alonso, Jim Lehrer and Deepak Chopra.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Dr. Ruth Westheimer, actor Lou Diamond Phillips and comedian Dave Attel. Repeat.