‘Van Dyke Revisited’ worth a look
Big night for comedy. The “Frasier” finale has been pushed to Thursday, but there’s still two hours of Crane family business on NBC tonight (see below).
The real big deal, though, is “The Dick Van Dyke Show Revisited,” on CBS at 9, billed as the classic show’s first new episode in 40 years.
Worst idea ever? We’ll see.
A lot of us will tune in hopefully, glad to be back in the warm and witty comic embrace of Rob and Laura Petrie and their friends. Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Rose Marie and Carl Reiner are among the series regulars who return in a story that finds Rob and Sally writing a eulogy for TV host Alan Brady, who’s still alive.
Not sure I want to see Dick stumble over the ottoman again at his age (78), but here’s hoping this will be an affectionate and fun reprise of one of the best sitcoms of all time.
Highlights
“8 Simple Rules,” ABC at 8: Two episodes. When Bridget is busted over a school dress-code violation, Cate is called on to meet with her new principal, Ed Gibb (Adam Arkin of “Chicago Hope”), who is an old high school classmate.
Followed at 8:30 by a mall-centric repeat: After Kerry is promoted to assistant manager at a fast-food restaurant in the mall, she is faced with the challenge of having to fire her grandfather.
“Navy NCIS,” CBS at 8: A dead Marine leads to an investigation of weapons sales.
“American Idol,” Fox at 8: The four finalists perform. What lame-o genre will they perform in now? Ragtime?
“Frasier,” NBC at 8: Two repeats from previous weeks, and an hourlong “Dateline” special, all leading up to Thursday’s finale.
First, Frasier works on a strategy to win over Charlotte (Laura Linney). Next, Frasier and Charlotte debate their newfound relationship, then find themselves stranded in the middle of nowhere and have to take shelter at the home of an eccentric rural family.
Finally, “Dateline” interviews Kelsey Grammer and the rest of the cast.
“24,” Fox at 9: Jack uses Saunders’ daughter to prevent more of the virus from being released. And Tony continues to go off the rails.
“Alan Alda in Scientific American Frontiers,” KSPS at 8: Brain issues, including memory and Alzheimer’s disease, are explored.
“One Tree Hill,” WB at 9: Season finale. Lucas and Nathan suffer Dan’s abuse as he coaches them into the playoffs, and Dan learns a shocking secret from Deb.
“Less Than Perfect,” ABC at 9:30: Owen starts a game of “Pimp Hat,” in which everyone must draw a name from a hat and fix that person up. Lovely.
“NYPD Blue,” ABC at 10: Clark and Sipowicz suspect the ex-husband in a woman’s murder, and the jury reaches a verdict in the Woodruff trial, on the season finale.
“Judging Amy,” CBS at 10: A teenager runs away to join the circus.
“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” NBC at 10: The poisoning of a couple’s adopted son has the detectives looking at the mother. But an arrogant trial judge (Tom Skerritt) causes problems for the case. Marlo Thomas and Barry Bostwick also guest.
Family Fare
“Gilmore Girls,” WB at 8: Lorelai and Luke share a romantic dance at Liz’s wedding and then go on what looks like a date. Plus, Rory has to call Dean to drive her back to the dorm after a party.