‘Relativity’ Head Over Heels In Turmoil
“Relativity” (ABC at 8) finds its young lovers in turmoil as Valentine’s Day turns out to be less than hearts and flowers for the Lukens sisters.
Isabel (Kimberly Williams), who has been spending time with her former fiance, Everett (Randall Bantikoff), is jealous of Leo’s long hours with his attractive business partner, Julia (Maria Del Mar); Karen (Jane Adams) is torn between her husband, Alan (Joseph Kell), and her new lover, Doug (Adam Goldberg); and Jenn (Poppy Montgomery) feels a mutual attraction to a married professor (Kip Gilman).
The storytelling couldn’t be much better as these characters’ emotions seem to travel on parallel tracks. The structure is more like that of a play than a TV drama. The conversations, awkward at times, ring with a truth some viewers may recognize.
“Relativity,” from the creators of “thirtysomething,” premiered as a dreamy romance, with twentysomething Isabel and Leo swept away after a chance meeting in Italy.
It’s less idyllic now. The season’s absorbing final episodes (there’s one more next week) explore love as a series of choices. And some of the choices will surprise you.
Highlights
“Live From Lincoln Center,” KSPS at 8: “Great Performers at Lincoln Center: A Celebration of American Music” features show tunes by Marilyn Horne and others.
“The Jeff Foxworthy Show,” NBC at 8: When Matt (Haley Joel Osment) is ridiculed by classmates for winning the school’s Most Courteous Student award, he concocts a practical joke to avert being labeled a nerd. It’s nice to see Bob Keeshan (“Captain Kangaroo”) guest starring as the school principal.
“Killing Mr. Griffin” (1997), NBC at 9: Jay Thomas, Mario Lopez and Amy Jo Johnson star in this adaptation of Lois Duncan’s novel about a group of teenagers who kidnap an unpopular teacher (Thomas). The prank, however, goes fatally awry. Unavailable for review.
“Major League II” (1994), ABC at 9: ABC salutes the start of baseball season with a horsehide comedy sequel that stretches most of the gags from the original. Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger and Corbin Bernsen reprise their roles.
“Cybill,” CBS at 9: When an ad agency uses a waifish body-double with Cybill’s face on a billboard, she launches a campaign against the undernourished fashion trend. Meanwhile, Ira (Alan Rosenberg) suffers strange side effects when he gives up caffeine.
“Pauly,” FOX at 9:30: Pauly (Pauly Shore) is duped by Dawn (Charlotte Ross), who hires a woman to occupy his time. Christina Applegate, Erik Estrada and Dionne Warwick guest star as a seductress, an ex-CHIP officer and a psychic friend, respectively. How’s that for imaginative casting?
Parents’ pick
“The American Family and Television: A National Town Meeting,” NIK, USA, DISN and FAM at 7:30: Cable TV’s “Tune In To Kids and Family Week” begins with this broadcast forum hosted by Linda Ellerbee. Scheduled participants include producer Marcy Carsey, Federal Communications Commission chairman Reed Hundt, CBS Entertainment President Leslie Moonves and Ted Turner.
Cable Calls
“An Evening of Country Greats,” TNN at 10: Clint Black, Faith Hill, Tanya Tucker and Marty Stuart are among the country superstars performing for their Country Music Hall of Fame heroes in this lively two-hour-long special.
“When Innocence Is Lost” (1997), LIFE at 9: Jill Clayburgh (“An Unmarried Woman”) and Keri Russell (“Malibu Shores”) play a mother and daughter who stand together in a tough child-custody battle.
Russell portrays an unwed mother whose ex-boyfriend (Vincent Corazza) sues for custody when she chooses to place her baby in a day-care center and attend college. Though the well-intended TV-movie is unevenly acted and etched in melodrama, Russell creates a character you’ll pull for.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Tennis star Andre Agassi, actress Diane Lane and a performance by Cirque du Soleil.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Singer Erykah Badu.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: actor Tim Daly, musician Ray Davies and activist Celeste Greig.