Posted on: Saturday, December 28, 2002
Tube Notes
Tonight's Must-See
"Saturday Night Live Christmas," 8:30 p.m., NBC. Here is a quick rerun of a show absolutely stuffed with rerun elements. Fortunately, some of them actually are worth repeating. That includes Adam Sandler's delightful "Hanukkah Song" and Ana Gasteyer in "Martha Stewart's Topless Christmas." From the early years, Eddie Murphy does "Mister Robinson's Christmas" and Dan Aykroyd pushes unsafe toys. Add some funny bits from Jimmy Fallon and Tina Fey and you have a fun albeit quite familiar special. Of Note
"Moonraker" (1979), 1 p.m. and "For Your Eyes Only" (1981), 4 p.m., TNN. Here are two James Bond films starring Roger Moore. The first one is broad and cartoonish while the second is considerably more serious. One side note: Cassandra Harris, who plays the countess in "For Your Eyes Only," was married to Pierce Brosnan, who at back then was an obscure actor. Fourteen years later and after Harris' death, Brosnan became Bond. "Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993), 7 p.m., ABC. Here's another opportunity to see this frequently recycled comedy. Robin Williams provokes many broad laughs as a divorced guy who disguises himself as a woman so that he can become his own kids' nanny. Brosnan also stars as the too-handsome beau of Williams' former wife (played by Sally Field). "Fear Factor," 7 p.m., NBC. Celebrities well, semi-celebrities, at least compete in this rerun. There are former child stars (Barry Williams, Keshia Knight Pulliam), a daytime star (Matt Cedeno) and two sex symbols (Gena Lee Nolin and Natasha Henstridge). Teller (the magician who goes by one name) also competes with a little help from Penn. "Touched by an Angel," 7 p.m., CBS. Robert Pastorelli ("Murphy Brown") stars in this rerun, playing a guy who's trying to repair his relationship with his teenage son. Then things sort of get overshadowed by an asteroid hurtling toward planet Earth. "La Bamba" (1987), 6 p.m., Bravo. Luis Valdez brilliantly directed this film, which captures well the brief career of rocker Ritchie Valens. Lou Diamond Phillips stars. "Saturday Night Live," 10:35 p.m., NBC. After showing great sketches earlier tonight, the show is going to rerun one of its shakier efforts. Robert De Niro is host.
Mike Hughes, Gannett News Service