Here are three new entries in the ratings sweepstakes, a trio of midseason-replacement series that represent, on their surface, something old, something new and something borrowed (for something blue, please consult your soft-core cable outlet).
The old comes in the form of that familiar and oddly lovable face of Carol Burnett, who returns to network series television at 8:30 p.m. Saturday on WMAQ-Ch. 5 with ”Carol & Company.”
The program offers an intriguing format-that of an anthology series. But it is based solidly on the sensibilities and substance of the comedic sketches that memorably punctuated Burnett`s former television show, which concluded its 11-year run in 1978.
This premiere is a mildly amusing story of Carol`s attempts to permanently do away with an adulterous husband by hiring a most unusual assassin from the Yellow Pages under ”Hit Parade Parties.”
This concept-the creation of a brand new comedy show every week-is a bold one and one that will rely on more than Burnett`s considerable talents and star power.
She`s lucky, for she has surrounded herself with a capable ”company,”
one that includes three of Chicago`s brightest young talents: Richard Kind and Meagen Fay, veterans of many Second City revues; and Jeremy Piven, a member of the New Criminals, a local theater ensemble noted for last year`s
”Methusalem.” They are joined by Terry Kiser and Anita Barone.
From stage encounters, I can tell you that the Chicago trio is wacky and versatile. Kiser`s an old pro and Barone`s a fresh face. Burnett`s facility for characterizations needs no further kudos here.
And there`s no doubt that her reputation will allow the show to attract the sort of big-name stars that will whet viewers` interest. Already booked are, among others, Glenda Jackson, Burt Reynolds, Howie Mandell, Nell Carter, Robert Guillaume, Robert Urich and Swoosie Kurtz.
It is to Burnett`s credit-not to mention the vision of Matt Williams, the show`s creator and a former ”Roseanne” hand-that she did not opt for a
”Carol Burnett Show-Part II.” That would have been simple and even entertaining.
But by taking a riskier route, she`s on to something fresh, ambitious and potentially thrilling.
`CAROL & COMPANY`
A new NBC series. Developed by Matt Williams and David McFadzean; Williams, executive producer; McFadzean, producer. With Carol Burnett, Anita, Meagen Fay, Richard Kind, Terry Kiser and Jeremy Piven. Airing at 8:30 p.m. Saturday on WMAQ-Ch 5.
In contrast, a new CBS comedy (8:30 p.m., Friday) called ”Sugar and Spice” wallows in every hoary sitcom situation and cliche. It`s a new dog doing very old tricks.
In short: Vickilyn Reynolds and Loretta Devine play two ”very different sisters” living together and raising their deceased sister`s teenage child.
One is outlandish, the other sensible: pieces of emotional kindling, trying to make sparks. It`s all trite stuff and shadowed by physical oddities, most prominently the gap-toothed grin of Reynolds and the mile-high beehive of her business partner. What more need one say about a show that seeks a laugh by referring to a daiquiri as a ”dickery”?
`SUGAR AND SPICE`
A new CBS series. Produced by Columbia Pictures Television. Irma Kalish, executive producer; Roxie Wenk Evans and Michael Loman, producers, Gina Wendkos co-producer. This premiere episode directed by Jack Shea, written by Debbie Pearl and Cassandra Clark. With Lorette Devine, Vickilyn Reynolds, Dana Hill, LaVerne Anderson, Stephanie Hodge and Gerrit Graham. Airing at 8:30 p.m. Friday on WBBM-Ch 2.
Finally, in the borrowing category, CBS has usurped the particulars of 1988`s quirky and delightful film called ”Bagdad Cafe” for a series of the same name that premieres at 8 p.m. Friday on WBBM-Ch. 2.
The setting is a desert oasis of strange souls called the Bagdad Cafe and Motel. What immediately distinguishes this clime are Whoopi Goldberg, as its proprietor, and Jean Stapleton, as a middle-class housewife on the lam from her husband who winds up at the cafe/motel.
While Percy Adlon`s film successfully sacrificed plot for character, a television series does not have such luxury. That is potentially troublesome, for ”Bagdad Cafe” may be forced to flesh out its characters to the point where their eccentricities are dulled, normalized.
Nevertheless, Goldberg is so sure-footed and likable in her part that she may at last have found a comfortable home for her talents, after some disastrous big-screen interludes. Stapleton, handsome and pert as ever, displays the gifts of timing and tact that brought her three Emmys.
Supporting players, barely met, appear suitably idiosyncratic, and as Goldberg`s errant husband, Cleavon Little is riotous in his guest appearance. It is always a difficult matter to chart a series` future path from the appetizer that is a premiere. Although the fate of ”Sugar and Spice” seems sealed in failure, I`ve got my fingers firmly crossed for ”Carol & Company” and ”Bagdad Cafe.” It would be nice to see two such lively and ambitious programs get their just ratings rewards.
`BAGDAD CAFE`
A new CBS series. A CBS Entertainment Production in association with Mort Lachman & Associates, Zev Braun Productions and New World Television Group. Zev Braun, Mort Lachman and Sy Rosen, executive producers; Anne Flett and Chuck Randberg, supervising producers; Michael Mount, producer; Paul Bogart, director. With Whoopi Goldberg, Jean Stapleton, James Gammon, Monica Calhoun, Scott Lawrence, Arnetia Walker and Noah Blake; guest starring Cleavon Little. Airing at 8 p.m. Friday on WBBM-Ch 2.
In brief . . .
Anthony Denison, fondly remembered from ”Crime Story,” is an actor of such marvelous subtlety and careful craft that he makes an otherwise plodding and stern film called ”The Girl Who Came Between Them” (8 p.m., Sunday, WMAQ-Ch. 5) almost worth watching. He plays a married ex-GI who searches for and finds an Amerasian child he believes he fathered in a previous liaison. Based on a true story, the film examines the cultural and emotional adjustments that attend this quest. The film eventually gets too serious for its own good. Melissa Chan is very good as the daughter. But Cheryl Ladd, as Denison`s wife, is simply not in the same league.
Although it won`t be generally available in this area, MTV`s new cable service, ”HA! The TV Comedy Network,” makes its debut at 6 p.m. Sunday. It differs from HBO`s Comedy Channel-with its original and so far unsuccessful programming-by offering reruns of old comedy shows. So, ask yourself, how much do you miss ”Love, American Style”?
There`s a rather effective handling of teenage drinking on the otherwise tepid ”Full House,” at 7 p.m. Friday on WLS-Ch. 7, when Jesse (John Stamos) finds his niece (Candance Cameron) with a beer in her hand.
