Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

‘Newsradio’ Should Stay Plugged In

John Martin New York Times Syndicate

I hear this lament frequently: “Just when I get to like a new show, they move it. Then they cancel it.”

Fans of NBC’s “NewsRadio” could be singing the blues if recent published reports are correct. The word is that NBC has already decided the comedy won’t be back next fall, mainly because it’s been trampled in the ratings by ABC’s “The Drew Carey Show.”

The show’s producers are said to be incensed by how NBC has handled the series. Rightfully so.

It’s been bounced around in five time slots. The New York Daily News reported that producers have been courting “ER” hunk George Clooney for a guest spot that could give “NewsRadio” a late-season ratings boost.

If they asked me, and NBC never will, “Mr. Rhodes,” “Something So Right” and “Boston Common” are the series we could live without.

“NewsRadio,” airing tonight at 8, is a first-rate episode in which a feud erupts between the WNYX staff and the office workers on the floor above. The noisy neighbors are accused of sabotaging the station’s lunch room until Dave (Dave Foley) uncovers the real culprit.

Highlights

“Beverly Hills, 90210,” FOX at 8: Brandon (Jason Priestley) agonizes over how to use the pair of tickets to Hong Kong his parents have given him as a present for spring break, but it looks like Tracy (Jill Novick) won’t be his traveling companion. David (Brian Austin Green) has a heart-to-heart with Donna’s (Tori Spelling) dad (Michael Durrell) that comes at a critical moment.

Kelly (Jennie Garth) finds Joey (Sam Saletta) and learns why he ran away from home.

“Temporarily Yours,” CBS at 8:30: Deb (Debi Mazar) goes out with a media magnate, but romance springs when she meets a prison inmate (Yul Vazquez).

“Chicago Sons,” NBC at 8:30: The blind leading the blind: Harry (Jason Bateman) and Mike (D.W. Moffett) give little brother Billy (David Krumholtz) advice on how to deal with his girlfriend (Brigid Brannagh). Enjoy this series now because I wouldn’t bet on it being around long.

Color these Kulchak boys dull.

“Party of Five,” FOX at 9: As Bailey (Scott Wolf) struggles with sobriety, Sarah (Jennifer Love Hewitt) meets a handsome medical student (Christopher Gartin). Grace (Tamara Taylor) becomes so caught up in her political campaign that Charlie (Matthew Fox) and the Salingers play second fiddle.

“EZ Streets,” CBS at 10: Quinn (Ken Olin) puts the squeeze on Danny (Jason Gedrick) by arresting his wife, Elli (Sarah Trigger), and threatening her with charges that would carry a mandatory prison term. Danny has to decide whether to implicate Murtha (Joe Pantoliano) in a murder or sell out Elli.

Cable Calls

“Inside the Academy Awards,” TNT at 5: On whom will Oscar smile? Get set for Monday’s ceremonies with a preview, followed at 6 by Hollywood’s greatest epic, “Gone With the Wind.”

“Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story” (1997), USA at 9: Mario Lopez (“Saved By the Bell”) stars in this made-for-cable biography of Olympic diver Louganis. His athletic triumphs and personal tragedies are portrayed.

Louganis narrates the story. Unavailable for review.

“The Larry Sanders Show,” HBO at 10:30: In a memorable repeat, Larry (Garry Shandling) wages a war of words with Washington Post critic Tom Shales.

Unfortunately the talk-show host’s nasty fax gets sent to Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) by mistake. It’s funny, funny stuff and a great example of why this comedy stands head and shoulders above network fare.

Talk Time

“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Marlon Wayans.

“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Model Cindy Crawford, actor Robert Townsend and singer Chris Whitley.

“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Tony Curtis, John Tesh and commentator Heather Higgins.

“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Musical guest Space.