Look For Dole In ‘Suddenly Susan’
You have to hand it to Bob Dole.
After being soundly beaten in his bid for the White House, he didn’t slink off and pout. No sir.
He took off for Hollywood to make an appearance on “Suddenly Susan,” repeated at 8.
The former Kansas senator shows up as Luis (Nestor Carbonell) prepares for his citizenship test.
Dole knows plenty about serving his country. And his appearance on the NBC comedy is a bright spot in an otherwise quiet night of network repeats.
The best viewing is on cable.
The main story of “Suddenly” involves a dispute between Susan (Brooke Shields) and Vicki (Kathy Griffin). Vicki claims that beauty gives women an advantage in life.
Susan sets out to prove that, for herself at least, success is more than skin deep.
I say, the coming season will prove whether Shields’ show counts for more than her pretty face.
Highlights
“World of Discovery,” ABC at 8: “Tiger: Lord of the Wild” examines efforts to save tigers from extinction. James Brolin narrates the standout nature film that purrs like a kitten. Repeat.
“Cosby,” CBS at 8: Hilton and Ruth (Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad) are victims of a break-in as a mini crime wave hits the neighborhood. Hilton fights back, with mildly comic results.
This is another of the series’ early episodes where the humor seemed forced. In particular is Hilton’s dealing with an elderly woman mistaken for a burglar.
“When Animals Attack II,” FOX at 8: Robert Urich hosts this repeat hour in which animal experts tell of dangerous confrontations and give advice to viewers. Included is lots of footage of animals attacking.
Also included is a look at so-called “killer” bees.
“Telling Secrets” (1993), ABC at 9: The secrets are exposed in the conclusion of this two-part TV movie about a manipulative villainess (Cybill Shepherd) and the cop (Ken Olin) who almost becomes a sucker before seeing through her act.
Cable Calls
“Mission Genesis,” SCI at 4:30 and 8:30: This Canadian production, based on the young readers novels by Ken Catran, is the story of six young clones who awaken on a spacecraft called Deepwater Black. As they begin to regain memory, they realize they are the last hope for an Earth civilization destroyed by a virus.
Kids may recognize the youthful cast, including Kelli Taylor of the briefly hot syndicated series “Catwalk.” The writing is stilted and the special effects thin.
“Star Trek” it’s not. In fact, it reminds you more of “Lost in Space,” without the adults and kiddies.
“Legends: Tina Turner,” VH-1 at 5: If ever a rock star deserved the “Legend” billing, it is this divine singer. The hourlong documentary covers her formative childhood in Tennessee, her breakthrough and breakup with Ike Turner and her eventual rise to superstardom.
Included are vintage interviews with Ike and Tina on “The Dick Cavett Show” and footage from her latest world tour.
“Biography,” A&E at 5 and 9: “Tanya Tucker: Country Rebel” profiles the singer who stepped into the country spotlight at age 13 with a hit record, “Delta Dawn.”
She ended up at Betty Ford after a relationship with singer Glenn Campbell that mixed drugs and booze. Now, she’s back on track with a new album and book.
There’s quite a survivor tale packed into this hour.
“Daria,” MTV at 10:30: As homecoming approaches, Daria is suddenly one of Lawndale High’s most popular students.
This is the season finale. Reruns will follow into the fall, but MTV says a second run of 26 new episodes will reappear in early 1998.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actors Harrison Ford and John Leguizamo and singer Pam Tillis.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actress Leslie Mann and rap artist Puff Daddy.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Paul Sorvino, author Naomi Wolf and comedian Robert Schimmel.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Rob Schneider (“Men Behaving Badly”), actress Mimi Rogers and musical guest Carl Perkins. Repeat.