‘Law & Order’ Delivers Top-Notch Tale
Michael McKean, known for his comedic roles in “The Brady Brunch” and “Dream On,” teams up with his actress wife, Annette O’Toole (“Dead by Sunset”), for an intriguing “Law & Order” (NBC at 10).
They play a married couple who dispense financial and personal advice. They present themselves as touchy-feely New Age folks, but the detectives (Jerry Orbach and Jesse L. Martin) suspect they may be homicidal.
Evidence from a helicopter crash implicates the chic couple, but the lawyers must prove it in court.
An intelligent script and notable acting combine to deliver a superb hour.
Highlights
“Two Guys and a Girl,” ABC at 8: Berg realizes his academic probation will end if he allows an influential physician to use his apartment for her affair. Peter has work troubles when his firehouse colleagues discover his makeup bag.
“Beverly Hills, 90210,” FOX at 8: Matt can’t tell Kelly about his drug-induced wildness. Camille continues to cause problems for Donna and David.
“Then Came You,” ABC at 8:30: Billie invites Aidan to attend her friend’s wedding, hoping to show him off. Instead, she must make excuses for him when the reception is held in the hotel and Aidan ends up working as a waiter.
The humor gets slapstick when Aidan ends up face down in the wedding cake.
“Get Real,” FOX at 9: The depressing family drama continues to be a downer with Mitch facing financial troubles. His son, Cameron, struggles with his feelings for Jody.
“West Wing,” NBC at 9: The president’s daughter causes a ruckus when she attends a frat party and one of her friends is arrested for possession of an illegal substance. Carl Lumbly delivers a fine performance as a nominee for assistant attorney general.
“Falcone,” CBS at 10: Patti LuPone joins the cast as an assistant district attorney determined to halt mob activities. Her character ambushes and threatens members of the mob.
The suffering undercover agent, Falcone, must deal with an FBI colleague whose incompetence puts Falcone’s family in jeopardy.
Cable Calls
“Biography,” A&E at 5 and 9: William Shatner, who became famous playing James T. Kirk in the original “Star Trek” (1966-69), is profiled.
“The Manchurian Candidate” (1962), AMC at 7: Stunning political thriller about a Korean war veteran (Laurence Harvey) who returns home from the war brainwashed to kill. This classic gets better with time, especially the scenes with the vet’s pushy and politically savvy mother (Angela Lansbury).
John Frankenheimer directed the harrowing Richard Condon story.
“Eco-Challenge,” DISC at 10: The science documentary channel previews the upcoming race. The grueling course, which includes whitewater rafting, mountain climbing and kayaking, is set in Patagonia.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor John Travolta, Skidboot the Amazing Wonder Dog and musical guest Goo Goo Dolls.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: To be announced.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: Musician Cerys Matthews, Christopher Titus (“Titus”) and Genevieve Wood, director of the Leadership Institute.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Jason Gedrick (“Falcone”) and actorcomedian Dana Carvey.