‘Friends’ Repeat Rises To The Occasion
NBC’s “Friends” proved this year that it’s good for more than just laughs.
How many times have you seen network comedies fall on their faces when they attempt “serious” shows?
“Friends” (NBC at 8) truly sparkled this spring when it came time for Ross and Rachel’s romance to fall apart. Repeated tonight and continuing a week from tonight, the two-part story plays out with surprising thoughtfulness and substance.
In part one, Ross (David Schwimmer) feels rejected after Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) tells him she wants “to take a break” from their troubled relationship. He heads straight to a nightclub to meet Chandler and Joey but instead meets a woman who makes it easy for him to forget his troubles.
Yeah, it could happen, even to Ross, who isn’t exactly what you’d call a lady’s man. It sets the scene for a keenly acted part two, in which Ross begs for the forgiveness that a deeply hurt Rachel cannot give.
Even though this adult comedy all but flaunts the notion that people can sleep around with abandon, Ross’ affair causes real pain. Just as in the world outside television, betrayal has consequences.
But is it betrayal? After all, Rachel as much as told Ross that their relationship was over.
Did she mean for Ross to feel he was free to roam? Can sex be meaningless when it hurts someone else? Couples may find themselves sharply divided on this one.
It seemed to me that “Friends” was not as good after these episodes. They’re so relevant that they remind us that, as entertaining as the show may be, it’s otherwise awfully trivial.
Highlights
“Martin,” FOX at 8: John Amos (“Good Times”) guest-stars as Tommy’s father, an ex-Marine who comes to town with an attitude that anything his son can do, he can do better, even when it comes to women. Repeat.
“Men Behaving Badly,” NBC at 8:30: When Sarah (Justine Bateman) has her appendix removed, it’s a perfect opportunity for Kevin (Ron Eldard) to show his mature, responsible side. Except he doesn’t have one.
This is the sort of thing that was supposed to make the series funny. But this repeat half-hour points to how writers strained in their effort to make light of slobbish behavior.
“Moloney,” CBS at 9: In one of the series’ best outings, Moloney (Peter Strauss) suspects that a respected judge (check out the fine performance by Lawrence Pressman) is using his power to force women to be his sexual slaves.
In one case, the judge has exploited a stripper by telling her she’ll lose custody of her child if she doesn’t continue to have sex with him.
She’s been before the court for her trouble with drugs. Guess who’s her supplier?
If “Moloney” could have delivered as consistently as this episode, it might have made it to a second season.
“Politically Incorrect,” ABC at 10: The late-night talk show begins a Thursday prime-time run for July. Naomi Judd, Tom Arnold and writer-editor Lisa Schiffren are scheduled guests. A repeat episode follows at 10:30.
Cable Calls
“The Drowning Pool” (1975), TNT at 7:10: Paul Newman reprises his “Harper” character in this slow-moving murder-mystery set in New Orleans. This film is rich on atmosphere but thin on just about every other point.
Murray Hamilton is an exception, however, as the villain. Joanne Woodward, Anthony Franciosa and Melanie Griffith co-star.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actress Jodie Foster and musical group INXS.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Bill Murray, tennis star MaliVai Washington and musical guest The Wallflowers. Repeat.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: To be announced.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor-comedian Martin Short, singer-songwriter Paul McCartney and musical guest Jill Sobule.
xxxx Report on the Order “Turning Point,” ABC at 9: In a chilling hour, Meredith Vieira reports on a hate group known as the Order. Repeat.