What's On TV
TV highlights for the week of Oct. 17-23. Shows listed are not necessarily recommended by the Monitor. All times are Eastern; check local listings.
SATURDAY 10/17
World Series (Fox, 7:30-10:30 p.m.): This year baseball more than justified its sobriquet as America's pastime. First was an engrossing season-long home-run derby, followed by scintillating playoffs. Today, the ballgame moves to its grandest stage - the World Series. Play continues on Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Wind on Water (NBC, 8-9 p.m.): Cult-hit possibilities lurk in this vehicle for Bo Derek's return to the beach some 20 years after her film success in "10." A "Falcon Crest" set in the Hawaiian Islands, the show has the obligatory family-land struggles with greedy developers. But the show is really just a vehicle for the extreme sports of helicopter-jumping, snowboarding, and big-wave surfing.
SUNDAY 10/18
A Will of Their Own (NBC, 8-11 p.m.): NBC is quickly becoming the network for must-see TV-movies this season. "Crime and Punishment" last week, and now "A Will of Their Own" tonight. This two-part drama (which concludes tomorrow night) focuses on the achievements of 20th-century American women as seen through the lens of photojournalist Amanda Steward (Lea Thompson). Thomas Gibson and Ellen Burstyn co-star, and Faye Dunaway has a small role as birth-control advocate Margaret Sanger. (TV-14)
Emma's Wish (CBS, 9-11 p.m.): A squeaky-clean and touching story that stars Joanna Kerns as Emma, a woman whose birthday wish - to go back in time to spend a month with her daughter - comes true. Posing as a nanny, she goes to work for her daughter, who has two children, is on the verge of divorce, and is trying to start her own business. Della Reese stars as Emma's eccentric retirement-home roommate. (TV-PG)
Masterpiece Theatre - Wuthering Heights (PBS, 9-11 p.m.): Last week the PBS series aired Shakespeare's "King Lear," and now this week another classic - Emily Bront's "Wuthering Heights." A haunting tale of smoldering passions, morbid obsessions, and tragedy.
MONDAY 10/19
New Addams Family (Fox Family Channel, 7:30-8 p.m.): The gruesomest family on the block returns to alarm and charm the neighborhood, turning everything normal upside down. Spooky fun for older children.
Africans in America - America's Journey Through Slavery (PBS, 8-9:30 p.m.): This four-part documentary recounts America's slave history - from its start in 1619 in Colonial Virginia to the eve of the Civil War. Threading through the time line are intriguing personal memoirs. In addition, Angela Bassett's engaging narration weaves together impressionistic reenactments, drawings, and a soulful musical score by Bernice Johnson Reagon. Among the most interesting details is George Washington's impatient letter for the speedy delivery of six of his estimated 300 slaves. In some instances, the documentary may raise more questions than it answers. The series continues through Thursday at the same time. (TV-PG)
Late Show With David Letterman (CBS, 11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m.): In his first talk-show appearance, home-run king Mark McGwire steps up to the couch to chat about his historic season. (TV-PG)
TUESDAY 10/20
NYPD Blue (ABC, 10-11 p.m.): The series begins its sixth season with some changes ahead. After the first few shows, Jimmy Smits will exit and Rick Schroder will step in. (TV-14, L)
