Crisis Threatens ‘Melrose’ Nuptials

What is a prime-time soap-opera wedding without a catastrophe?

Amanda and Kyle’s (Heather Locklear, Rob Estes) big day is threatened by a mysterious woman (Susan Walters) from Kyle’s past in a two-hour-long “Melrose Place” on FOX at 8.

But this is a series where everyone is always in crisis. Such is the case tonight.

Not only are Amanda and Kyle’s nuptials in jeopardy, but Michael (Thomas Calabro) seeks financial help from Mia (guest-star Valerie Harper) when his medical practice faces failure.

When she finds herself attracted to a client, Samantha (Brooke Langton) gets dangerous advice from Jennifer (Alyssa Milano). And Lexi’s (Jamie Luner) father (guest-star Chad Everett) has a stroke during a confrontation with Peter (Jack Wagner).

It doesn’t get any better in the weeks ahead.

Amanda and Kyle find that life together isn’t exactly bliss, and Billy (Andrew Shue) and Samantha both are tempted to betray their marriage.

Michael will attempt to reconcile with Megan (Kelly Rutherford).

With all these problems, maybe everyone should be blown up in the season finale. I mean really blown up this time.

Of course, I’m just kidding. “Melrose” still has its faithful fans.

I don’t mean to be mean-spirited, but isn’t it about time for FOX to move on?

Highlights

“Winter Olympics,” CBS at 8: Among the events available for coverage: alpine skiing (women’s Super G); speedskating (men’s 500 m, first run); luge (men’s singles, final runs); snowboarding (women’s giant slalom); cross-country skiing (men’s 30km classic). Late-night coverage starts at 12:35 a.m.

“Fired Up,” NBC at 8:30: Gwen (Sharon Lawrence) puts her new boyfriend (Scott Patterson) on a strict “five-date” schedule leading up to their first night of intimacy, and that causes him to fold under pressure. To get back on track, she plans a more “spontaneous” evening of romance.

“20/20,” ABC at 9: Tom Jarriel reports on a rare condition in which people inflict injuries on themselves.

“The American Experience,” KSPS at 9: “Influenza 1918” chronicles the epidemic that claimed 600,000 American lives.

The film footage and first-person accounts grow tiresome in this overlong account. After the first 15 minutes most people will have seen and heard enough.

“The Practice,” ABC at 10: There’s trouble for Bobby and Helen (Dylan McDermott, Lara Flynn Boyle) when they take opposite sides in a murder case. Chris Sarandon guest-stars as a surgeon accused of murdering his lover, who was discovered decapitated.

Cable Calls

“The ESPY Awards,” ESPN at 5: Norm Macdonald hosts the annual awards for sports performance live from New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Among the celebrities taking part this time around: Alec Baldwin, Matt Dillon, Michael J. Fox, Tyra Banks, Hootie & the Blowfish, Linda Fiorentino, and Chris Rock.

Michael Jordan leads all athletes with three nominations. Terrell Davis and Livan Hernandez are up for two awards each.

Former University of North Carolina basketball coach Dean Smith will be presented with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Smash Mouth will perform.

Talk Time

“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Calista Flockhart (“Ally McBeal”), kid inventors and singer Lyle Lovett.

“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Fitness guru Richard Simmons.

“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: To be anounced.

“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Radio shock-jock Howard Stern, actress Lolita Davidovich and musical guest Freedy Johnston.