Nothing Up His Sleeve? Keep Watching
As Harry Anderson readily admits, he hasn’t been playing with a full deck for some time now. But he still knows a trick or two. And cards aren’t his only magic props.
Sit back and enjoy “Harry Anderson: The Tricks of His Trade” (CBS at 8), a laugh-riddled special featuring some impressive sleight-of-hand and non-stop comedy banter.
Anderson made a living as a street magician for years before his starring roles on “Night Court” and “Dave’s World.” Magic has remained a full-time hobby that’s kept Anderson sharp enough to be highly regarded as a magician.
This entertaining hour isn’t as grandiose as David Copperfield’s Vegas-style extravaganzas. No disappearing jets in this act. Anderson is a street magician, and the running joke in the hour is that he mixes magic with flim-flam.
Helping out is “Dave’s World” co-star J.C. Wendel. The rest of the cast shows up briefly, and John Ritter, Markie Post, Brent Spiner and Peter Scolari have cameos.
Rounding out the telecast are guest appearances by amazing juggler Peter Davidson and ventriloquist Jay Johnson. Anderson also visits one of his favorite haunts - Owen’s Magic Supreme in Azuza, Calif., a place where professional magicians go shopping.
It’s a swell hour - great wholesome fun for the kids especially.
Highlights
“An Ice Cream Show,” KSPS at 7: You may have a craving for a cold, creamy treat if you tune in this clever documentary that tours ice-cream parlors from Vermont to Hawaii.
“Hudson Street,” ABC at 8:30: The series, which is not on ABC’s fall schedule, returns to the lineup with a first-run episode. Tony (Tony Danza), who thinks he wants another child, goes shopping for a surrogate mother.
“Separated by Murder” (1994), CBS at 9: Sharon Gless plays Tennessee twins accused of murder in this unusually inept drama. Steve Railsback plays a man accused of murdering one of the twins’ husbands - but both sisters are charged as his accomplice. Gless’ down-South accent(s) may drive you up the wall.
“Grace Under Fire,” ABC at 9: In a repeat from November, Grace (Brett Butler) presses the refinery to provide day care, while Russell (Dave Thomas) goes out with a woman (Rebeca Arthur) who once dated his father.
“Party of Five,” FOX at 9: The series returns to the lineup with a repeat of its 1994 series premiere, in which Bailey (Scott Wolf) scrambles to find Owen a new babysitter and Charlie (Matthew Fox) shows he’s not quite ready to head the household.
“PrimeTime Live,” ABC at 10: Chris Wallace reports on ways you can be scammed by antique dealers.
Parents’ pick
“NIK News Special Edition: The Body Trap,” NIK at 8: Linda Ellerbee hosts this important half hour about kids and body image. Rosie O’Donnell pitches in, discussing how she handled growing up overweight.
Parents should encourage pre-adolescents to watch - and watch with them. The show offers kids guidance when it comes to accepting the way they look rather than allowing looks to define their self-image.