Endangered World Challenges ‘Sliders’
This is as good a time as any to chide FOX for its decision to cancel “Sliders,” the fantasy-adventure about four comrades who have become unstuck in time, “sliding” from one parallel universe to the next.
It’s one of the better shows the network has ever canned.
Tonight at 8, it’s the repeat of a February episode in which the sliders land in a world on the verge of extinction because of a pulsar that has entered the solar system.
Roger Daltrey (The Who) guests-stars as a mad military officer who has put himself in the position to decide who will slide to another livable world.
The sliders take exception to how he chooses who survives. Typically, they find themselves making enemies under precarious circumstances.
The two-parter, which concludes next week, marks the introduction of Kari Wuhrer to the cast. It also leads up to the departure of John Rhys-Davies in the role of Maximillian Arturo, one of the show’s most colorful characters.
What I liked best about the series was how it never took itself too seriously. Its premise is flimsy, but it has opened up a wide variety of situations that have given writers an opportunity to have fun and make a few provocative points alluding to current social and political issues.
“Sliders” fans, take heart. The series has been picked up by the Sci-Fi Channel, starting in 1998. In addition to gathering the reruns, Sci-Fi has ordered 22 new episodes that will premiere in January.
Highlights
“Step By Step,” ABC at 8: Well-meaning Frank and Carol (Patrick Duffy, Suzanne Somers) give Lilly (Emily Mae Young) a lecture on the birds and the bees.
You guessed it. Little Lil’ relays the information, more or less, to her kindergarten class. Parents can relate. Repeat.
“Clueless,” ABC at 9:30: Cher (Rachel Blanchard) has to use her wits when she’s grounded by her father (Michael Lerner) at the precise time she wants to buy a special dress to impress a substitute teacher (Bronson Pinchot). This “Clueless” is mostly laughless. Repeat.
“Nash Bridges,” CBS at 10: Cheech Marin is the catalyst for some of this series’ best moments, and he’s front and center in this episode, in which he goes undercover in a prison where a Colombian drug lord is still doing business. Repeat.
Cable Calls
“Carpool” (1996), MAX at 8: Tom Arnold stars in a dark comedy about a desperate man who plans a bank job but ends up holding a dad (David Paymer) and five kids he’s car-pooling hostage.
Derived, predictable and pointless, this film should have been pulled over by the bad-movie cops.
“The Greatest Pharaohs,” A&E at 6 and 10: Frank Langella narrates this fascinating two-part look at the mighty rulers of Egypt. They commanded immense armies and built unequaled architectural wonders.
This is prime viewing for those who can’t get enough on the ancient civilization.
“Spicy City,” HBO at midnight: Maybe it’s because Baby Boomers grew up with Disney movies, but there’s no doubt that adult animation is hot. HBO’s latest entry is an anthology series (six episodes in the initial run) that mixes R-rated sci-fi and fantasy.
The premiere, however, isn’t far removed from a growing contemporary phenomenon. Two computer fanatics yearn to live their lives totally online because they find the real world boring by comparison. Unavailable for review.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Four-year-old genius William Carter and musical group Hanson.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Helen Hunt (“Mad About You”) and the Dave Matthews Band. Repeat.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Kim Coles, Paul Sorvino and radio talk-show host Doug McIntyre.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actress Gina Gershon.
xxxx WENATCHEE CASE UPDATE “Dateline NBC,” NBC at 9: John Larson updates a previous report on an alleged sex ring in Wenatchee. The accusations, arrests and trial, covered extensively by PBS’ “Frontline,” constitute a classic witch hunt. The report is scheduled to fill the entire hour.