New Troubles Arise For ‘Party Of Five’
FOX’s “Party of Five” at 9 begins its fourth season with new problems for Bailey (Scott Wolf).
It’s been five months since the drunk-driving accident that almost cost Sarah (Jennifer Love Hewitt) her life. He hasn’t had a drink and has been attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings on a regular basis.
He’s gotten a lot of support from Sarah, now his friend again.
But when Sarah’s parents find out she’s been seeing Bailey, her father (Richard Gilliland) is incensed and sets out to put an end to it.
Elsewhere, Charlie (Matthew Fox) is decidedly single. He’s spending a lot of time with little Owen (Steven & Andrew Cavarno), and he doesn’t like what he sees.
Julia (Neve Campbell) returns from Europe and is thrown awkwardly into married life with Griffin (Jeremy London). And Claudia (Lacey Chabert) enters high school and surprises everyone by trying out for the cheerleading squad.
The Salingers start a new season at peace among each other. But you can see trouble brewing for Julia, who is apt to pay for her hasty marriage last season to the incredibly dense Griffin.
Bailey, it seems, never gets a break. His fate is unresolved in a cliffhanger ending to tonight’s episode.
Nothing comes easily for these five orphans.
Over the past three years they’ve suffered through infidelity, abortion, alcoholism and ordinary growing pains. They reflect insecurities and failings we can all understand.
That they persevere assures us that we can get by as well.
Highlights
“Wings,” NBC at 8: Joe and Brian Hackett (Tim Daly, Steven Weber) finally come into the small fortune left behind by their father. Big decisions are made in the series finale.
Helen (Crystal Bernard) surprises everyone by deciding it’s time to give her career as a cellist one more chance. Repeat.
“A League of Their Own” (1992), CBS at 8:30: This homage to the World War II-era women’s professional baseball league is a grand slam of laughter and tears. Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna, Rosie O’Donnell and Jon Lovitz star in the film, directed by Penny Marshall.
“Live from Lincoln Center,” KSPS at 7: The broadcast celebrates opening night of the 156th season of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra as well as director Kurt Masur’s 70th birthday. Soprano Renee Fleming is the guest soloist, performing selections by Mozart and Strauss.
“3rd Rock from the Sun,” NBC at 9: Here’s another chance to see May’s 3-D season finale. The aliens discover dreaming, and each stars in big-production dream sequence.
Some are better than others, and the 3-D effects are uneven, at best. But it’s still a lot of fun.
“PrimeTime Live,” ABC at 10: O.J. Simpson’s former girlfriend, Paula Barbieri, is interviewed.
Cable Calls
“Biography,” A&E at 5 and 9: The hour profiles Andrew Cunanan, whose killing spree ended with the murder of designer Gianni Versace and Cunanan’s subsequent suicide.
“Dumb and Dumber” (1994), TBS at 5:05 and 9:20: Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels are dimwitted buddies caught up in a kidnapping plot in this goofball comedy that co-stars Lauren Holly and Teri Garr.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Kevin Kline and the newly crowned Miss America.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Singer-actress Madonna and music group Counting Crows. Repeat.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: Robert Pastorelli; Garry Marshall; Floyd Brown, chairman of Citizens’ United; and singer-songwriter Matraca Berg.
“The Late Late Show With Tom Snyder,” CBS at 12:35 a.m.: Actor-comedians Damon Wayans and Billy Connolly.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor-comedian Kevin Nealon, actress Yasmine Bleeth and author Jud Hale.