Hoops, Skating Promise Exciting Viewing
There’s a lot on the line in the world of sports tonight, and prime time offers front-row seats to two exciting events.
On CBS, it’s NCAA basketball at 4:30. The field of 64 teams has been narrowed to the “Sweet Sixteen” as opponents square off in the regional semifinals. The next four nights will decide college hoops’ “Final Four.”
Not to be outdone, ABC begins its coverage of “The World Figure Skating Championships” at 8. You’ll see the finals in the men’s and pairs competition from Lausanne, Switzerland.
Primary contenders in the men’s event are defending champion Todd Eldredge of the United States, reigning European champ Ilia Kulik of Russia, ever-colorful Elvis Stojko of Canada, and 1994 Olympic gold medalist Alexei Urmanov of Russia.
Experts say anyone of the four can win, which adds the usual drama to the finesse and elegance of these world-class performers. (ABC’s coverage is taped-delayed.)
Highlights
“Friends,” NBC at 8: Ross (David Schwimmer) has his first unpleasant encounter with Rachel’s (Jennifer Aniston) father (Ron Leibman) in this repeat from November. Also, Monica (Courteney Cox) has trouble with a new bed, and Joey (Matt LeBlanc) gets a job teaching soap-opera acting classes.
“Martin,” FOX at 8: This sounds like something that could happen to Lucy Ricardo.
Martin (Martin Lawrence) discards a wedding gift he thinks is hideous only to find it’s a priceless collectible. He shows up at a church auction to bid for the misplaced timepiece.
“Living Single,” FOX at 8:30: This is a show with a message. The girls head out for a night on the town and are put off by the obnoxious men they encounter in a club. So they head for a gay bar, where the guys are more … interesting.
“The Naked Truth,” NBC at 9:30: Is nothing sacred when it comes to getting a laugh? In her attempt to silence the noisy birds outside her apartment, Nora (Tea Leoni) accidentally kills a bald eagle that has escaped from the Los Angeles Zoo.
Hiding the evidence, she runs into a reclusive millionaire, played by series executive producer John Riggi.
“New York Undercover,” FOX at 9: Nina (Lauren Velez) goes undercover to win the confidence of a Chinese hit man (Billy Chang) wanted for a quadruple homicide.
“Law & Order,” NBC at 10: “Law” had its highest ratings ever last week in Part 1 of a three-part episode.
Tonight, Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) and Curtis (Benjamin Bratt) turn their attention to a new suspect in the high-profile murder investigation. But the suspect (Scott Cohen), the victim’s ex-husband, delays arrest by entering rehab.
Cable Calls
“Biography,” A&E at 5 and 9: “Marlon Brando: Breaking the Rules” looks at one of Hollywood’s more enigmatic stars. Rocketed to stardom by his landmark performance in Elia Kazan’s “A Streetcar Named Desire,” he later won an Oscar for “On the Waterfront.”
But controversy and tragedy has marked most of the rest of his career. Repeat.
“Gettysburg” (1993), TNT at 5: Turner counterprograms the big sports night with a one-night screening of the Civil War epic. Sam Elliott, Tom Berenger and Martin Sheen head the cast.
Keep an eye out for Ted Turner in a battle scene. Running time: 5:35.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Phil Hartman (“NewsRadio”) and Debi Mazar (“Temporarily Yours”).
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35 a.m.: Comedian Denis Leary, model Bridget Hall and music group Toad the Wet Sprocket. Repeat.