‘Mortal Fear’ Mixes Medicine And Murder
NBC has its second night of medical mysteries with a repeat of “Robin Cook’s ‘Mortal Fear”’ at 9.
The 1994 movie may make you think twice the next time you’re in need of medical care. There’s something unsettling about healthy patients mysteriously dying in a Boston hospital. Joanna Kerns (“Growing Pains”) stars as a doctor trying to unravel the mystery.
The good news is that Kerns is a considerable improvement over Nicollette Sheridan’s anemic performance in last night’s Cook thriller. Kerns keeps the suspense going as she discovers that the research behind an anti-aging serum is being used in a murder plot.
As is often the case in Cook’s books, the heroine suddenly doesn’t know whom she can trust.
Gregory Harrison, Robert Englund, Max Gail and Rebecca Schull co-star in one of the better adaptations of a Cook novel.
Highlights
“Evening at Pops,” KSPS at 8: If you think Jason Alexander begins and ends with his “Seinfeld” character George Costanza, be sure to tune in his guest shot with the Boston Pops. A Tony-winner, Alexander sings and dances his way through “It’s Better With a Band,” “The Greatest Discovery” and “Ring Them Bells.”
“The Marshal,” ABC at 8: MacBride (Jeff Fahey) is assigned to pick up a minor-league pitcher charged with drug trafficking. But not before a championship season comes to an end. While waiting, the G-Man finds reasons to believe the suspect was set up. Repeat.
“The Last Frontier,” FOX at 8:30: In the finale episode of the Alaskan comedy, Kate (Jessica Tuck) steps in to help Reed’s girlfriend Betsy (Annabelle Gurwitch) dump him. But Kate sees the error of her ways when Betsy decides to become her best friend.
“Far and Away” (1992), ABC at 9: In concluding Part 2, Joseph and Shannon (Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman) realize that they love each other even though she is to marry Stephen (Thomas Gibson). Their hope for a life together rides on his success in a spectacular re-creation of an Oklahoma land rush.
“L.A. Firefighters,” FOX at 9: The series ends its summer run with Dick (Brian Smiar) called before a disciplinary board as a result of his drinking. I won’t miss this story line. Lenny and Flame (Michael Gallagher, China Kantner) decide to marry, and Bernie (Miguel Sandoval) arrests the serial killer.
FOX plans to return the series to prime time on Sunday nights this fall.
“Cybill,” CBS at 9:30: There are plenty of laughs when Cybill (Cybill Shepherd) auditions for a role in the movie version of Ira’s (Alan Rosenberg) book.
It’s one thing that Ira has taken a few liberties with the character she seems to have inspired. It’s another when she loses the role to Paula Abdul. Nancy Travis (“Almost Perfect”) and William Katt guest star. Repeat.
Cable Calls
“CMT Presents Monday Night Concerts,” TNN at 5 and 9: Toby Keith, Ty England and Don Gibson are guests. Host Ricky Skaggs teams with Gibson for a medley of the singer-songwriter’s greatest hits, including “Oh, Lonesome Me” and “Sweet Dreams.”
“Bull Durham” (1988), LIFE at 9: Have trouble getting through a night with no baseball? Lifetime sends in relief in the form of this horsehide romance starring Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon. It’s about a minor-league team, but its a major-league film.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Jeff Goldblum and heavyweight boxer Bruce Seldon.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Chicago Bulls star Scottie Pippen, comedian George Miller and The Artist Formerly Known as Prince.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Comedian Steven Wright, Jeffrey Tambor.