Cbs’ ‘Scattering Dad’ Has It Together

Olympia Dukakis plays an agoraphobic who goes on an odyssey of self-discovery in CBS’ intriguing “Scattering Dad” (Sunday at 9).

Dukakis proves her versatility in this understated role as elderly Dotty. She has been an agoraphobic for 20 years and is forced to confront her fear of venturing into the outside world in order to honor her husband’s (Andy Griffith) wish to have his ashes scattered in a remote part of the desert.

Her daughters (Lucinda Jenney and Michelle Rene Thomas) turn down her request for help. She decides to walk out of her safe haven and do it herself.

Dotty’s hike to remote Cathedral Rock turns into a tale of courage and self-realization. Eventually she’s joined by her daughters, and they all try to understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

“Scattering Dad” is a treat with its intelligent dialogue and scenic locations. The two-hour drama gives a glimpse into the complicated relationships among siblings and their parents.

Highlights

“The Magnificent Seven,” CBS tonight at 8: Saddle up to this new six-parter based on the action-filled 1960 movie.

Michael Biehn has the lead role as the gun for hire with six colorful associates. He has some magnificent moments as the seven help out a Native American.

“Savion Glover’s Nu York,” ABC tonight at 8: “Bring in ‘Da Noise,’ Bring in ‘Da Funk”’-star taps his way around Manhattan. He brought in ‘da musicians Stevie Wonder and Puff Daddy to assist him.

“A Celebration of America’s Music,” ABC tonight at 9: You can get all jazzed up over this finger-snapping tribute to jazz hosted by Bill Cosby. Appearances by Herbie Hancock, Dave Brubeck, Aretha Franklin, Thelonious (T.S.) Monk Jr. and other jazz greats.

“Ask Harriet,” FOX Sunday at 8:30: This new series, which will air in its regular time slot Thursday, serves up Anthony Tyler Quinn as Jack Cody, a sexist newspaper sports reporter.

In the opener, Cody is fired, and then poses as a woman to land the job of an advice columnist. To a friend he explains: “Better off having a guy write the column. That way once a month you wouldn’t get that angry advice.”

“Outrage” (1998), ABC Sunday at 9: Rob Lowe and Jennifer Grey star as an outraged couple being tormented by misguided prep-school students. You’ve seen it all before - from dumb cops, to a psychotic teenager, to aloof parents.

Lowe sweats a lot, but his hair is always perfectly coiffed.

“Blackout Effect” (1998), NBC Sunday at 9: Great premise: When two planes collide, who is to blame? The technology, the technicians or management? The execution: A near miss.

This movie quickly drops off the radar screen, especially when it sinks into contrived conspiracies and the head investigator’s (Eric Stoltz) discovery that his former lover was killed in the crash. (Kudos to NBC for airing this movie after the holiday travel season.)

“Masterpiece Theatre,” KSPS Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at 8: You must be British to really understand why one needs six hours’ worth of Cecil Rhodes-slamming.

“Rhodes” (starring Martin Shaw as Rhodes) was the founder of Rhodesia, a diamond mogul and possibly the person responsible for setting the stage for apartheid.

As you’ll see repeatedly, Rhodes was self-possessed, an empire builder, racist and woman-hater who lacked any compassion. You’ll tire of seeing non-stop pomposity, posturing and political machinations even if the scenery is something worth viewing.

Parent’s Pan

“Wonderful World of Disney,” ABC Sunday at 7: Until this weekend, our household had been enjoying warming up to the small screen for this weekly dose of family pleasure. But we’ll sit out sophomoric “Principal Takes a Holiday” about high school students who cause their principal enough physical and mental distress to send him to the hospital.

The kids hire Kevin Nealon, playing a drifter, as their new principal. The reason? So one of the kids (Zachery Ty Bryan) can claim an inheritance. Are you laughing?

The movie has only one redeeming factor: Bill Nye of “Bill Nye the Science Guy.” He plays a science teacher who figures out an ingenious way to motivate his students.

Cable Calls

“My Fellow Americans” (1996), HBO tonight at 8: Jack Lemmon and James Garner are charming as ex-presidents on the run from assassins. Dan Aykroyd and John Heard co-star.

“Babylon 5: In the Beginning” (1998), TNT Sunday at 5: The cable channel ushers in its newest acquisition with a special-effects filled prequel set about a century before Babylon 5 was built. Even those unfamiliar with this sci-fi action/soap opera will catch on quickly during this retelling of the Earth-Minbari war. (The war led to the building of the space station.) “Beginning” presents a less-than-positive picture of earthlings, giving a negative spin to our desire to colonize. Let’s just say the message here is that humans are not the top dog in the universe, and we all should examine our own levels of tolerance for anything different.

Movie Marquee

“Star Wars Special Edition” (1997), SHOW tonight at 8: To mark the science-fiction classic’s 20th anniversary, viewers are treated to a new, enhanced version. Included are additional scenes such as Han Solo’s (Harrison Ford) meeting with Jabba the Hutt.

May the force be with you.