Sioux City Journal from Sioux City, Iowa • 20

8 The Sioux City Journal, Friday, September 17, 1 999 By Bruce R. Miller Journal staff writer Ihe year of the Ti teen-ager is upon us. "Ally McBeal," the women in "The Practice" and "Judging Amy," there's this drama that lets Kathleen Quinlan vent. She plays a divorced lawyer who tries to rebuild the firm her husband tried to destroy. She co-stars with Christopher McDonald and the highly employed Dixie Carter.

(Grade: B) TUESDAY ALLY (7 p.m. FOX. Begins Sept. 28) There was apparently so much left on the cutting room floor that "Ally McBeal" producer David Kelley decided to pick up the scraps and create a sitcom. Supposedly this edition deals more with office relationships.

Whether the stars get two checks remains to be seen. (Grade: Unpreviewed) THE MIKE O'MALLEY and Dixie Carter among them, the X-chromosome bunch is strong. The riting, however, is not. Most of the "oh woe is me" stuff has been done before; many of Betty's best retorts were used in "Golden Girls." Molina may be a talented actor, but he's wasting years of success in a so-so production that requires an American accent. Worse yet, there's a kid show Man that does the same premise better.

(Grade: C) THE PARKERS (7:30 p.m. UPN. Now airing) You loved her on "Moesha." Now get ready for a full half hour of Countess Vaughn. Now in college, she discovers much to her surprise that mom's a co-ed. too.

(Grade: Unpreviewed) LAW ORDER: SVU (8 p.m. NBC. Begins Sept. 20) You liked "Law Order" so much, THE STRIP (8 p.m. UPN.

Begins Oct. 12) They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway. But get a load of the ones in Vegas. Used as a backdrop for this action series, it's a regular character, helping Elvis Ford (Sean Patrick Flanery) find justice. Also on board: Joe Viterelli, a mob film veteran.

(Grade: Unpreviewed) JUDGING AMY (9 p.m. CBS. Previews Sept. 19; begins Sept. 21) Amy Brenneman's back in a familiar time zone, this time as a single mother about to become a judge in Connecticut.

Based loosely on the actress' mother, the character is warm and caring sorta like the lead in "Providence." For balance. Tyne Daly turns up as Amy's mother. (Grade: B) ONCE AND AGAIN (9 p.m. ABC. Begins Sept.

21) One of hospitals, out of police stations and onto the streets in record time. Because everything moves so quickly and because so many of the actors look alike, you'll have trouble trying to Find someone to follow. The pace needs to slow dow the helmets need to come off. Otherw ise, this ill be gone faster than an ambulance at the site of a toxic dump. (Grade: C) SNOOPS (8 p.m.

ABC. Begins Sept. 26) Television ads have made much about the fact that David Kelley. the man behind "The Practice" and "Ally McBeal" wrote this. If he did, it must have been on an off day.

Little more than a '90s "Charlie's Angels," it's hardly as smart as the guy's other stuff. The always intriguing Paula Marshall and the seductive Gina Gershon star as private investigators who go anywhere, do any- nn rn inn I I I (Uf fc Ib lihnnwRg fciviqi. kmtsf tfe5 K) K) A A 1999-2000 Fall TV schedule New show p.m. p.m. p.m.

p.m. 8-9 p.m. 9 p.m.-10:00 p.m. The Wonderful World of Disney Snoops The Practice 60 Minutes Touched by an Angel Movie Malcolm in Ihe Middle King of the Hill The Simpsons Futurama The X-Files jjfc Dateline NBC ThirdWatch Movie jf 7th Heaven (reruns) Felicity 1 1 In nearly a third of the new shows this fall, smart-talking high school students take center stage. They bash parents, engage in sex, drop names and dress well.

In another handful of series, twen-tysomething couples play thir-tysomething games. They struggle ith first jobs, rail at roommates and test their boundaries as adults. Everyone over 40? "IPs a wasteland," says Seta Ward, who plays one of the rare 40-year-olds on a new season show. "You can have the same feelings and emotions and state of expectancy that you had when you were 19 and 18," but producers aren't interested in showing that time of life. Save for Ward's "Once and Again," Kathleen Quinlan's drama, "Family Law," and the White House potboiler "The West Wing," there aren't many new shows with middle-age leads.

That's because network execs are bent on reaching that product-buying under-35-year-old crowd. Thus, the schedule of new shows (some 38 in all) looks like it was cast from a GAP ad. "Wasteland," the ultimate in good-looking drama, features six friends struggling to survive the mean streets of New York. To make sure it's not confused with that other six-friends-in-New York series (called "Friends," oddly enough), there's a virgin, a black attorney and a gay soap star. To separate its yuppies from "Wasteland's," "Cold Feet" has a married couple in the mix.

In the relationship categoryjunior division, there are hunks and babes aplenty in "Popular," "Manchester Prep" and "Time of Your Life." In the counter-culture drama "Freaks and Geeks" there are dozens of normal kids. And, in "Roswell," there's a handful of alien teens just to make sure every demographic is covered. Randier than Austin Powers after a 20-year freeze, the teens make plenty of crude jokes, jump in and out of bed and question why they don't have the perks their parents enjoy. Perhaps the most eye-opening behavior (this side of "Manchester Prep," the raunchiest teen drama of the year) comes in the pilot of "Get Real," a self-referential series that finds its teen male lead in bed with his girlfriend. Proving a mediocre idea knows no bounds, "Ladies Man" and "Odd Man Out" share the same premise.

In both, one male is surrounded by a sea of women. Alfred Molina gets the honors in the former, young Erik Von Detten gets the attention in the latter. Both don't have the laughs to survive the comparison. But, then, who ever heard of Mike O'Malley before this season? Like "Shasta McNasty," "The Mike O'Malley Show" should be a footnote to the season, not a memorable entry. In addition to the requisite number of cops, lawyers and doctors, the last schedule of the millennium boasts a vampire, a gang of wrestlers, a set of rappers and a Stephen King-like author.

Perhaps the most inventive show of all comes at the expense of the medium that created it. Called "Action," it's set in Hollywood and it makes fun of the people who think there's nothing wrong with television shows about kids or violent movies about drug dealers. It's original and it's destined to push buttons. Unlike sitcoms of the past, "Action" doesn't mince words, it bleeps them. For everyone who wonders what happened to "Little House on the Prairie," "Bonanza" and "The Waltons," "Action" demonstrates.

Will it survive the season? That's the question hanging over every new show. Beginning this week, the deliberations begin. Start your remotes. By night, here's how the season shakes down: NBC. Begins Sept 22) The power behind the president isn't often rev ealed.

Unless, of course, there's a scandal or a lamp-throwing episode. This drama, however, auempts to pull back the curtain and show ho the great and powerful Oz might be. Written by Aaron Sorkin, the compelling drama features Martin Sheen as the chief exective and Rob Lowe, Allison Janney and John Spencer as his key players. Janney, by the way. is one to watch.

A hit on Broadway, a scene-stealer in films, she's the secret weapon in this powerful series. Look for a landslide of great reviews. (Grade: A plus) GET REAL (8 p.m. FOX. Now playing) If your son was caught in bed ith his girlfriend would you: A) Go ballistic.

B) Call her parents. C) Offer to make her breakfast? If you answered anything but C. you don't know the way Hollywood works these days. While there are fun lines here and there, there's a sentiment that makes this less than real. Jon Tenney and Debrah Farentino play the parents.

A group of fresh-faced actors play the kids. Before the first episode is over, try to count the number of pop culture references they drop. There's enough to fill a month's worth of Entertainment Weeklys. (Grade: plus) ROSWELL (8 p.m. The WB.

Begins Oct. 6) It's tough to be a teen. But an alien teen living in Roswell, N.M.? That's a real space ship to bear. Jason Behr stars as a kid who saves a friend but reveals his past. Depending on the kindness of strangers can be a very tricky thing.

Like a junior "X-Files," this has the stuff to keep the "Creek" viewers around for another hour. (Grade: A) OH, GROW UP (8:30 p.m. ABC. Begins Sept. 22) Three guys, an ex-wife and no pizza place.

At least that's the premise behind this unbelievable comedy about friends who live together. One's divorced, one's gay and one's at bay. The ads for the series are more interesting than the show. (Grade: C-minus) THURSDAY MANCHESTER PREP (7 p.m. FOX.

Begins in November) Based on "Cruel Intentions" (which was based on "Dangerous Liaisons," which was adapted from "Les Liaisons this high school drama hits new lows in taste. Robin Dunne and Amy Adams play stepsiblings who fight for attention at high school. She makes complimentary remarks about his anatomy; he temporarily falls in love with her. It's sleazy (particularly when it comes to sex) and filled with kids who wouldn't know how to behave if they were threatened by foreigners with canes. (Grade: D) POPULAR (7 p.m.

The WB. Previews Sept. 29; begins Sept. 30) Being the most popular kid in school isn't easy, particularly when there's competition. Two girls (who later find a common bond) vie for the title.

Meanwhile, their friends struggle with growing up. Sioux Cityan Bryce Johnson stars as a football player who shows an interest in acting. (Grade: Unpreviewed) WWF SMACKDOWN (7 p.m. UPN. Now playing) Since wrestling does so well on cable, it was just a matter of time before a fledgling network would pick up on it.

Now, UPN offers a full two hours of body slams. (Grade: Unpreviewed) THEN CAME YOU (7:30 p.m. ABC. On hold) Older woman, younger man? It worked for "The Graduate." Now, "Then Came You" lets a 30ish executive fall for a bellboy. The two have fun in a hotel, then question whether the relationship can work.

This is another "Dharma and Greg," but with age as the issue. Note how the guy pays for one of their first dinners out. It's a hoot. The young actors have a fresh approach. (Grade: B) WASTELAND (8 pirn.

ABC. Begins Oct. 7) Six college friends meet up in New York and share good times and bad. While it's a little too incestuous for its own good, the Kevin Williamson drama has a watchability factor that can't be denied. The stars are attractive, well-dressed and witty.

Whether they'll conquer the "Frasier" juggernaut is anyone's guess. This could be the next "Melrose Place." (Grade: B-) STARK RAVING MAD (8:30 p.m. NBC. Begins Sept. 23) A young book editor is assigned to help a Stephen King-like author make his deadline.

What he discovers is the man is certifiable. Tony Shalhoub plays the author, Neil Patrick Harris is the editor. Both are talented actors but the series looks like it has no place to go. While the pilot is very physical, it seems complete which is death for a series. (Grade: but could go higher) SEE FALL SLATE Continued on page B9 rii frS "77:30 p.m.

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(Grade: C-) JACK AND JILL (8 p.m. The WB. Begins Sept. 26) Just a heads up: Jack is the girl, Jill is the guy. They're two unlikely lovers who meet in and fall in love.

He's a toy designer, she's a jilted bride. Amanda Peet and Ivan Sergei star. (Grade: Unpreviewed) MONDAY TIME OF YOUR LIFE (7 p.m. FOX. Begins Oct.

25) Jennifer Love Hewitt leaves the "Party of Five" for a chance to celebrate on her own. She heads to New York and, shades of "Felicity," finds that she's more than she ever thought she could be. Because the network didn't like the show's first pilot, they asked for revisions. What the new version will be like is anyone's guess. Still, no one has made money selling Lovey short.

She's a survivor. (Grade: Unpreviewed) LADIES MAN (7:30 p.m. CBS. Begins Sept. 20) Alfred Molina plays a hapless guy living in a world of females.

Betty White, Sharon Lawrence, Park Overall NBC decided to clone it. Now, in this sex crimes version, detectives get to look at the seamier side of life. Richard Belzer brings his "Homicide" character to the show while two "Oz" inmates (Christopher Meloni and Dean Winters) turn up as good guys. It's a well-produced program but it's just more of the same. For this they got rid of (Grade: B-) SAFE HARBOR (8 p.m.

The WB. Begins Sept. 20) A widower (Gregory Harrison) lives in a motel with his sons, his mother and a runaway. He's a Florida sheriff who tries to handle problems much the same way Andy Griffith did years ago. Andy, however, never had to deal with drugs, teen sex and violence.

(Grade: plus) GROWN UPS (8 p.m. UPN. Now airing) Jaleel White returns to television as something other than Urkel. Now, he's a young man trying to navigate the dating waters and the employment pool. (Grade: D) FAMILY LAW (9 p.m.

CBS. Begins Sept. 20) Is this the year of female lawyers? In addition to SHOW (7:30 p.m. NBC. Begins Sept.

21) Slacker guy at home. There's a strong scent of familiarity here, particularly since there are so many average guys on TV. (Drew Carey, Norm MacDonald, anyone?) This comedy, however, isn't funny. O'Malley doesn't have a distinctive voice worth hearing. Instead, he's Dobie Gillis without the personality.

(Grade: D) SHASTA MC NASTY (7:30 p.m. UPN. Previews Sept. 30; begins Oct. 5) Just when you thought the bar couldn't be lowered, there's this a comedy about friends hoping to make it in the music business.

Because there's a new sensibility (think: "American it's not exactly another "Monkees." (Grade: F) ANGEL (8 p.m. The WB. Begins Oct. 5) David Boreanaz and Charisma Carpenter leave the comforts of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" for a shot at Los Angeles. One wouldn't think a vampire would feel lonely in Hollywood, but Boreanaz's Angel does have his moments.

Since its produced by "Buffy's" folks, expect the same sense of wit. (Grade: Unpreviewed) the best new shows of the year, this drama from the guys behind "thirtysomething" reveals how difficult dating is for the divorced. Sela Ward plays a fortysomething mother testing the waters with Billy Campbell, a fortysomething dad. The scenes are fresh and cute; the program's message is educational. Although it's slated for a limited run (until "NYPD Blue" returns), it's a keeper.

(Grade: A plus) WEDNESDAY WORK WITH ME (7:30 p.m. CBS. Begins Sept. 29) If you went into mourning when "Mad About You" died last year, lift your veil. This couple's comedy hits many of the same notes and gives Kevin Pollak a chance to do his best Paul Reiser impersonation.

He and Nancy Travis play storefront lawyers who decide to work together after he turns on his high-pressure firm. While Travis is always funny, Pollak is an acquired taste. There's a charming supporting turn by Ethan Embry as Pollak's assistant. (Grade: plus) THE WEST WING (8 p.m. SUNDAY MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE (6 p.m.

FOX. Begins following football season) Your mom may not have walked around the house topless. You dad probably didn't get his back shaved regularly. But there's plenty in this "Wonder comedy to embrace. Featuring a family of one-liners, it's topped by a marvelous performance by Frankie Muniz as the title character.

Surprisingly, it was created by one of the co-stars of "Little House on the Prairie." (Grade: A) THIRD WATCH (7 p.m. NBC. Previews Sept. 23, beeins Sept. 26) Those folks in "ER" are snails compared to the men and women on "Third Watch." Paramedics, cops you name it- they rush to accident scenes, into.