Nbc Hopes ‘3rd Rock’ Catches Bowl Fans
Just in case you’ve been living on a desert island (or recently crawled out from under a rock), Sunday is the Super Bowl. Kickoff is at 3, as the Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers battle for the NFL championship live from San Diego.
NBC airs Super Bowl XXXII, which will be its last NFL game for a while now that CBS has snatched football away from the peacock network. NBC hopes to make the most of the big ratings draw, advertising its special Super Bowl-themed, hourlong episode of “3rd Rock from the Sun” at 7 as if it were an event equal to the big game.
Celebrity models Cindy Crawford, Irina Pantaeva, Beverly Johnson and Angie Everhart guest-star on “3rd Rock,” the show known for its off-the-wall intergalactic humor. It never disappoints.
The models play aliens who are hoping to use a killer 30-second spot on the Super Bowl broadcast to take control of Earth. The series regulars have only seconds to stop the madness.
Crawford and crew, and alien Dick (John Lithgow), who sings an out-of-this-world tune, are enough motivation to keep us glued to the tube after the big game ends.
In other Super Bowl-themed shows, MAD TV (FOX, tonight at 11) devotes its episode to parodying the annual gridiron ritual. The showstopper is Debra Wilson as a Whitney Houstonlike singer who becomes increasingly upset over her performance of the national anthem.
Also, MTV weighs in at 7:30 with “Death Bowl ‘98,” claymation-animated parodies of fictitious celebrity boxing matches. Among those satirized are Howard Stern duking it out with Kathie Lee Gifford, Pamela Lee against RuPaul, and Hanson taking on the Spice Girls. The slugfests promise to be tasteless, silly and sophomoric. What else would you expect from MTV?
Highlights
“America’s Endangered Species: Don’t Say Good-Bye,” NBC tonight at 8: Rare photographs of species nearing extinction will tug at your heart strings and, the show producers say, get you up in arms over plummeting animal populations in this country. You’ll meet some of the last few of several species, including the nine surviving Florida panthers.
“News Saturday Night,” ABC tonight at 10: Kicking off the premiere of this news show, which will tackle one topic each week, is Peter Jennings’ report from Havana on the Pope’s visit.
“Gypsy,” (1993), CBS Sunday at 8: A gold star went to CBS for bringing back the beloved oldie “Gypsy” and keeping the musical intact. Applause, please.
It’s flawlessly cast with Bette Midler following in the footsteps of such greats as Ethel Merman and Rosalind Russell as the quintessential stage mother. Everything’s coming up roses for this movie-musical with its memorable songs (“Let Me Entertain You” and “Small World”) and fine acting. Repeat.
“Love Affair” (1994), ABC Sunday at 9: This remake of the 1939 film of the same name (also remade as 1957’s “An Affair to Remember”) never comes close to being as romantic as its predecessors. The movie, starring Warren Beatty and Annette Bening, is hampered by a disappointing ending and distracting soundtrack.
It does shine when Katharine Hepburn comes on camera.
“Masterpiece Theatre,” KSPS Sunday at 8: The deliciously sarcastic and ruthless three-part tale “Reckless” reaches its stride in Part 2. Owen’s (Robson Green) pompous surgeon boss (Michael Kitchen) discovers that his wife (Francesca Annis) has taken a lover to get even. When he finds out that Owen is the lover, punches are thrown and the comebacks fly.
It’s “ER” with a cutting comic twist.
Cable Calls
“The People vs. Larry Flynt” (1996), HBO tonight at 9: Do skin magazines have First Amendment rights? This film makes a strong argument for porno mags in a fascinating mix of romance and courtroom drama.
Milos Forman’s character study and Woody Harrelson’s acting give you cause to celebrate.
“Human Bomb” (1998), TMC tonight at 9: There’s a hostage situation in an upscale European private school. Fortunately Jurgen Prochnow is on the case as a tough terrorist expert who does not want to relive the nightmare of the Munich Olympics.
He’s coping with a madman in this fact-based drama that is knee-deep in weepy parents, selfcentered politicians and little suspense. It’s “Kindergarten Cop” devoid of any humor and action.
“Alaska” (1996), SHOW tonight at 8: This teen-scene movie is about two adolescents (Thora Birch and Vincent Kartheiser) who are searching for their father’s downed plane in Alaska. Great location footage but not much story, and more plot holes than a pound of Swiss cheese.
Movie Marquee
“Look Who’s Talking Now” (1993), ABC Sunday at 7: The talking never stops in this less-than-funny second sequel to “Look Who’s Talking.” Even the dogs (Danny DeVito and Diane Keaton) talk.
John Travolta and Kirstie Alley are back in a film that barks up the wrong tree. Repeat.