Scenery Gives Fox’s ‘Dark Angel’ A Lift
Eric Roberts, who is a little scary even when he’s the good guy, stars as a New Orleans homicide detective in FOX’s “Dark Angel” at 8.
Roberts plays Walter D’Arcangelo, a veteran of the Baton Rouge force who takes a job in New Orleans to escape an unpleasant past.
Upon his arrival he’s assigned to investigate a murder that soon becomes a series of murders. When he is contacted by the killer, his superiors begin to suspect that something’s amiss in his past. There is.
Francis Ford Coppola is executive producer of this stylish TV movie. FOX originally announced “Dark Angel” as a series in development for later in the 1996-97 season.
This is the pilot. The network hasn’t said whether it will end up on the FOX schedule.
Ashley Crow co-stars as a fellow officer who, unknown to D’Arcangelo, has been ordered to investigate his background. In the process, she falls in love.
We’ve seen this scenario a few times too many, but it’s executed with some subtlety here.
Producers took maximum advantage of New Orleans locations shooting, which helps the police drama rise above the ordinary.
Highlights
“Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989), CBS at 8:30 Harrison Ford and Sean Connery fit hand in glove in the third of the Steven Spielberg classics. Connery plays Indy’s father, who disappears while searching for the Holy Grail.
It’s whip-cracking fun and excitement.
“The Drew Carey Show,” ABC at 8:30: The big lug tries to smooth things out between Kate (Christa Miller) and her mom (guest star Susan Saint James). He plays the sensitive male so well that Mom decides he’s right for her daughter - better than Jay (Robert Torti), anyway. Repeat.
“Frasier,” NBC at 9: Frasier (Kelsey Grammer), marking his third anniversary at the station, listens to a tape of his first show. He dozes off, setting up a fun flashback.
“Caroline in the City,” NBC at 9:30: In a repeat of the season finale, Caroline (Lea Thompson) panics as her wedding day approaches. And Richard (Malcolm Gets) can’t contain his feelings.
Michael McKean (“Dream On”) guest-stars as a substitute priest.
“NYPD Blue,” ABC at 10: Simone, Sipowicz and Russell (Jimmy Smits, Dennis Franz, Kim Delaney) investigate a holdup that turned ugly. Medavoy, Martinez and Lesniak (Gordon Clapp, Nicholas Turtorro, Justine Miceli) tackle a drug-related double murder. Repeat.
Cable Calls
“NFL Head Coach: The Man Behind the Men,” TNT at 5, 6 and 9: It might be the toughest coaching job of all sports - more players, more specialists, more injuries, fewer chances to win, and fans who can run you out of town. Hear about what makes pro football’s head coaches tick from the likes of Jimmy Johnson, Joe Gibbs, Bill Walsh and Mike Holmgren.
“Silent Witness: Long Days, Short Nights” (1996), A&E at 6 and 10: Ryan (Amanda Burton) investigates a horrific mutilation-murder suspected of being connected to a satanic cult. Colin Salmon, former lead singer of Fine Young Cannibals, plays the prime suspect in this chiller that has some of the most gruesome crime-scene and autopsy scenes you’ll ever see.
“Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel,” HBO at 9:30: Included is a Spike Lee profile of controversial Cleveland Indians outfielder Albert Belle.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Dennis Franz (“NYPD Blue”), actress Cameron Diaz and singers Brooks & Dunn.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Brett Butler (“Grace Under Fire”), sportscaster Marv Albert and music group The Cranberries.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor John Turturro, Colin Quinn (“Saturday Night Live”) and music guest Keb Mo.