Sheehy Makes Case That Aging Isn’t So Bad
“Gail Sheehy’s New Passages,” ABC at 8: “You’re not getting older, you’re just getting better” could be the theme of this feel-good, two-hour-long special about growing older that is based on Sheehy’s best seller.
The program features segments on individuals and couples whose stories exemplify a new and positive experience with the aging process that Sheehy believes is occurring in society now.
Judy Collins, Robert Klein, Tabitha Soren and Sandy Duncan are among the celebrities who contribute, and Kate Jackson hosts. Unavailable for review.
“The Distinguished Gentleman” (1992), NBC at 9: Eddie Murphy plays a career con man who wins a seat in Congress. It’s no coincidence that CBS is airing this political satire as one political convention ends and another gets under way.
“Unlawful Entry” (1992), FOX at 8: Ray Liotta is the psycho cop who terrorizes a young couple (Kurt Russell, Madeleine Stowe). If you can’t trust the police, whom can you trust? The question drives this tale only so far before you quit caring much about the too-beautiful couple.
“Democratic National Convention,” CBS and NBC at 7: Unity and the success of President Bill Clinton’s first term will be the message cranked out over the next four nights in Chicago. (C-SPAN broadcasts the gathering gavel-to-gavel beginning at 4; PBS/NBC and CNN coverage begins at 5; and COM’s “Politically Incorrect” originates from Chicago at 7.)
Cable Calls
“Biography,” A&E at 9 and midnight: William Shakespeare is profiled in an hour rich with clips from numerous Hollywood adaptations of the Bard’s works.
“Avonlea,” DIS at 8: The series seventh and final season begins Sept. 8, but the season premiere gets an early screening during Disney’s free-preview week. The King children have become adults. Olivia (Mag Ruffman) adopts a child of her own. Hetty (Jackie Burroughs) and Felicity (Gema Zamprogna) find new romance.
“Indictment: The McMartin Trial” (1995), LIF at 9: The acclaimed HBO film comes to basic cable. James Woods is spectacular as the lawyer who defends the owners of the California preschool accused of child molestation. As told here, it was a gross miscarriage of justice wrought by ambitious prosecutors and irresponsible news media.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35 : Musical group Elvis Costello and the Attractions.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35 : Repeat segments featuring actor Tom Hanks, actorcomedian Robin Williams and musician Bruce Springsteen.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m. : Janeane Garofalo (“The Larry Sanders Show”), comedian Vernon Chatman and sportscaster Len Berman. Repeat.