By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
MUST-SEE: "The Fighting Fitzgeralds" premiere, 7:30 p.m., NBC: Some impressive star power is packed into this trial-run series.
In front of the camera is Brian Dennehy, who has ranged from great TV work to a Tony award for "Death of a Salesman." He plays a retired fireman, trying to maintain order over his three grown sons, his daughter-in-law and his granddaughter.
Behind the camera, as producers and writers, are Edward and Brian Burns. Some people know Edward now as an actor (including "Saving Private Ryan"), but his "The Brothers McMullen" was a trendsetter for independent films. Now, with his brother, he tries the situation-comedy form. Does it work? An early version indicated an uneven mixture. Some moments are pat and predictable; others bring sharp humor and humanity. Well wait for the final version.
MUST-SEE: "NYPD Blue," 9 p.m., ABC: Charlotte Ross has come far from the days when she played bland, blonde beauties in "The Heights" and "The Five Mrs. Buchanans." Her recent work has been terrific. Its ranged from cold ambition in cables "Beggars and Choosers" to a guest shot in a "Frasier" episode that took one story in two directions. Now she hits the top, playing the precincts new cop. She arrives tonight and teams with Diane Russell (Kim Delaney), probing a case in which teens are accused of stabbing.
"Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" (1997), 7 p.m., Fox: Here is another chance to see Mike Myers amiable comedy. He plays a superspy who was frozen for 30 years; he emerges in 1997, bearing 67 clothes and outlook.
"Frasier," 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. NBC: First is an OK rerun in which Frasier befriends a guy who has broken up with Roz. The second episode is new, with Roz and Frasier doing a documentary about the space program; John Glenn plays himself.
"Bad Boys" (1995), 8 p.m., KFVE: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence play cops in a film that mixes action, comedy and crashing cars. This propelled the career of Smith and of director Michael Bay, who then made "The Rock" and the upcoming film "Pearl Harbor."
"Dharma and Greg," 8 p.m., ABC: Dharma tries a protest in order to stop Greg from joining the Army.
"Three Sisters," 8:30 p.m., NBC: When Annies new boyfriend starts hanging around, her brother-in-law is glad finally to have a guy to talk to.
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