Beach Party Enlivens ‘Beverly Hills’
A beach party is an excuse for the gang to get together and stir things up when a few well-kept secrets escape on “Beverly Hills, 90210” on FOX at 8.
Steve (Ian Ziering) makes a confession to Kelly (Jennie Garth).
Meanwhile, Val (Tiffani-Amber Thiessen) tends to more than the books with her accountant Kenny (Joey Gian).
Highlights
“The John Larroquette Show,” NBC at 9:30: Former “Golden Girls” Betty White, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty guest-star in a repeat that’s a takeoff on “Sunset Boulevard.”
Hemingway (Larroquette) falls under the spell of White, whose play he promises to rewrite. William Holden and Gloria Swanson they’re not, but oh, they’re funny.
“Democratic National Convention,” ABC, CBS, NBC at 7: Are we having fun yet? The rally continues from Chicago. (C-SPAN has podium coverage beginning at 4; CNN and KSPS join in at 5.)
Parents’ Pick
“Nick News Special Edition: Kids and Guns,” NICK at 8: The best thing about this Linda Ellerbee special is the honest way she talks with a diverse group of kids about guns.
There are no fear tactics here. It’s a rational discussion of guns in society and why these young people will have to deal with the issue in the future.
Included on the panel are kids from homes where guns are kept.
Cable Calls
“The Substitute Wife” (1994), LIFE at 9: Farrah Fawcett may get top billing, but Lea Thompson (“Caroline in the City”) is the shining star of this gentle, adult-minded drama set on the frontier plains of 1869 Nebraska.
Thompson plays a young wife and mother of four who learns that she’s dying. Aware that her husband (Peter Weller) can’t possibly farm their 160 acres of land and care for the children, Amy finds a replacement wife and mother in a lippy prostitute named Pearl (Fawcett).
It’s an inspired performance by Thompson. Fawcett fails to bring much life to Pearl, a one-dimensional character whom you never quite believe.
Weller (“Robocop,” 1987) is rather delightful as the stoic, often high-minded husband.
“American Justice,” A&E at 6 and 10: The timing is just right for Chicago-based newsman and series host Bill Kurtis to take a look back at 1968’s disastrous Democratic National Convention. Is it possible it’s been 28 years since police and anti-war protesters clashed in the Windy City?
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Damon Wayans and boxer Christy Martin.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: From separate 1994 shows, actors Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actress Lara Flynn Boyle and comedian Lewis Black.