Fascination Awaits In ‘The Andes’

Mon., Jan. 12, 1998

John Martin New York Times Syndicate

South America’s Andes range, which runs 4,700 miles and reaches peaks of 23,000 feet, is explored in a three-hour-long documentary on the Discovery Channel.

“The Andes,” airing at 8 and midnight, leads off with “The Untamed Mountains,” a segment that visits various regions, including the home of the terrifying Anaconda. You’ll be stunned by Jesus Rivas, a naturalist who studies the 200-pound snake and its mating habits.

Also offered is a look at the vicuna, a mammal that can outrun a human on its first day out of the womb.

Part 2, “Along the Mighty Peaks,” highlights the mountains themselves, including the Galeras volcano, which killed nine volcanic experts in an unexpected 1993 eruption.

“Life in the Sky” visits the site of a perfectly preserved Inca mummy and profiles a modern-day shaman and his young disciple.

Highlights

“Everybody Loves Raymond,” CBS at 8:30: When Ray’s “Zia Sarina” (Argentina Brunetti) arrives for a visit from Italy, he experiences something new: a relative everyone in the family likes. At least, that’s how things start out in this funny episode.

“Caroline in the City,” NBC at 9: When Caroline (Lea Thompson) is booked as a contestant on a celebrity quiz show, Richard (Malcolm Gets) seizes the moment and offers to be her coach, much to Julia’s (Sofia Milos) chagrin. Jenica Bergere (“Men Behaving Badly”) guest-stars.

“Brooklyn South,” CBS at 10: In a provocative hour, Santoro (Gary Basaraba) discovers that one of his officers is gay. And when Internal Affairs investigates an incident involving the gay cop, certain officers suspect that Santoro is protecting the fellow cop, because he too may be homosexual.

“The Practice,” ABC at 10: Rebecca (Lisa Gay Hamilton) witnesses a murder and becomes the target of the accused’s gangster brother.

Cable Calls

“Make Me Laugh,” COM at 6:30 and 10:30: The program’s second season kicks off with comics competing to make contestants laugh. Mark Cohen is the new host of the series, an update of a 1950’s game show.

Talk Time

“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Mel Gibson, model Naomi Campbell and singer Barry Manilow. Repeat.

“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Robin Williams, actor-comedian Dave Chappelle, and singers Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham.

“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: David Alan Grier, Eugene Levy, political consultant Dick Morris and columnist Josette Shriner.

“The Late Late Show With Tom Snyder,” CBS at 12:35 a.m.: To be announced.

“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor Corbin Bernsen, comic-book creator Stan Lee and Alicia Witt (“Cybill”). Repeat.

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