Take ‘Journey’ Through 40 Years Of Sci-Fi
From “The Twilight Zone” to “The X-Files,” science fiction has always had its place on television.
Tonight the genre has a special place. “Science Fiction: A Journey into the Unknown,” a 1994 special repeated on FOX at 8, is a nostalgic two-hour-long look back at 40 years of sci-fi television. It’s bound to please any fan.
William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy (“Star Trek”), Carrie Fisher (“Star Wars”) and Dean Cain (“Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman”) host the special, which features clips from dozens of series.
Among the highlights are classic moments from “The Outer Limits,” “Lost in Space,” “The Prisoner,” “The Time Tunnel,” “Space Patrol” and one of my boyhood favorites “Fireball XL-5.”
Television takes us many places. To use Rod Serling’s words, these series have unlocked the imagination, leading to “a fifth dimension, beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity.”
Hats off to the creators who think beyond the confines of the here and now to entertain us with escapist fare which, over the years, has shown it can be as thoughtful and enlightening as anything on the tube.
Highlights
“The Jeff Foxworthy Show,” NBC at 8: The canceled series gets a double rerun. At 8, Jeff and Karen (Jeff Foxworthy, Ann Cusack) discover that their son Matt (Haley Joel Osment) has a crush on his teacher (Christine Rose). At 8:30, Jeff’s trucking company is sold and his new boss (Sherman Howard) wants him to fire Candy and Ebb (Candy Trabucco, Dave Powledge).
“Secrets of the World’s Greatest Escape Artists,” ABC at 8: How do they do it? Escape artists demonstrate their craft in this repeat special hosted by James Brolin.
“Abducted: A Father’s Love” (1996), NBC at 9: This fact-based but not always credible tale examines the rights of fathers.
Chris Noth plays a loving dad who believes his estranged wife (Loryn Locklin) is abusing their infant daughter.
After social service workers refuse to intervene, he takes off with his daughter. Soon a nationwide search is under way.
Peter MacNichol co-stars as an overly determined FBI agent. Stepfanie Kramer appears as Noth’s lawyer, and Natalie Cole turns in a winning portrayal as the leader of an underground mothers group that ends up helping the runaway dad.
“American Experience,” KSPS at 9: One of public broadcasting’s finest documentaries gets a summer replay over the next 10 Mondays. “Vietnam: A Television History” is a striking achievement by producer Richard Ellison and reporter Stanley Karnow.
“Murder One,” ABC tonight and Thursday at 9: The trial of accused vigilante serial killer Clifford Banks (Pruitt Taylor Vince) begins. But tension mounts between Banks and lawyer Jimmy Wyler (Anthony LaPaglia).
This is good, tough drama. Stick around for Thursday’s conclusion.
Cable Calls
“Dances with Wolves” (1990), LIFE at 7:30: Kevin Costner stars in the Oscar-winning saga of a Civil War soldier’s involvement with a Sioux tribe.
“Hawaii Five-O,” FAM at 8: The 1968-80 series returns with a crisp look, thanks to digital remastering. After a two-hour-long episode tonight, the repeats will air weeknights at 9.
“Bob Vila’s Guide to Historic Homes: The Mid-Atlantic,” A&E at 6 and 10: Television’s best-known home-improvement guy - Tim Taylor not withstanding - tours six magnificent East Coast homes, including Baltimore’s famed Carroll Mansion.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Martin Short, actress Kathy Kinney and animal expert Jim Fowler. Repeat.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: To be announced.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Al Yankovic, Me’shell Ndegeocello, musician Gibby Haynes and singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor Tom Arnold, actor-comedian Tommy Davidson and musical guest Big Head Todd & the Monsters. Repeat.