‘Style’ Brings Martha To Mind
My first reaction to Jean Smart in CBS’ new “Style & Substance,” premiering at 9:30, was that I’ve seen her character before.
It’s the same abrasive loudmouth she played in “Designing Women” and her less-successful “High Society.”
But there is a difference. In “Style & Substance,” Smart’s Chelsea Stevens is based so conspicuously on home-living guru Martha Stewart that you can’t help but chuckle at the notion that behind the facade of a “perfect” television personality is a maniacal control-freak starved for a meaningful friendship.
Friendship comes in the form of her producer, Jane (Nancy McKeon), a newly arrived, level-headed go-getter who has second thoughts about working for Chelsea. In the premiere, Chelsea talks Jane into dumping her hometown beau and staying in the big city.
The laughs are based on the common notion that Stewart is insufferable off-camera. True or not, all but Stewart’s hardiest fans seem to believe it.
“Style & Substance” is very much like Kirstie Alley’s “Veronica’s Closet,” except hardly anyone knows, or despises, whoever is behind the Victoria’s Secret empire.
At last, Smart has a good reason to grate on one’s nerves.
Highlights
“America’s Funniest Home Videos,” ABC at 8: The series is back, funnier than ever thanks to co-hosts Daisy Fuentes and John Fugelsang and some crackerjack writing by J. Elvis Weinstein and Trace Beaulieu, co-founders of “Mystery Science Theater 3000.” Wait till you see the “Larry the Duck” video.
“Cosby,” CBS at 8: It’s a battle of the sexes when Hilton’s (Bill Cosby) community center boys basketball team takes on Ruth’s (Phylicia Rashad) girls team. WNBA New York Liberty team members Teresa Weatherspoon and Kym Hampton guest-star in a half-hour with a strong message for kids.
“20/20,” ABC at 9: The newsmagazine moves from Thursdays to Mondays. At deadline, no information was available on tonight’s show.
“Caroline in the City,” NBC at 9: Caroline and Richard (Lea Thompson, Malcolm Gets) confess their mutual feelings of attraction that have gone unspoken for two seasons. But they agree that it’s something “in their past.”
“The Practice,” ABC at 10: The series moves to Monday with a superb episode in which Bobby (Dylan McDermott) finds himself in an ethical bind that could send him to prison. And might I add that Lara Flynn Boyle, whose Helen Gamble plays prominently in this hour, renders a top-flight performance.
Cable Calls
“Biography,” A&E at 5 and 9: “Showstoppers Week” begins with a portrait of illusionist David Copperfield. His real name is David Seth Kotkin.
At 10, his parents took him to a magic store to buy a ventriloquist dummy. By 12, he was performing. At 16 he was teaching magic.
His remarkable rise is a great American entertainment story, well told here.
“The Babysitter’s Seduction” (1996), LIFE at 9: The title tells it all. Stephen Collins plays a wealthy businessman who has unjust plans for his kids’ 18-year-old baby sitter (Keri Russell).
He stages the break-in murder of his wife, and it’s just a matter of time before the sitter figures out who is going to be the primary suspect.
Phylicia Rashad is over her head as the investigating detective. This is a really awful movie.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Fran Drescher (“The Nanny”), actor Billy Zane and musical guest Ricochet.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: To be announced.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: the Rev. Jerry Falwell, Martin Mull and Carol Alt.
“The Late Late Show With Tom Snyder,” CBS at 12:35 a.m.: George Segal co-hosts Snyder’s third anniversary broadcast.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Julianna Margulies (“ER”) and musical guest Silverchair. Repeat.