Giving advice tonight is next to impossible -- because, in prime time, "Homicide: Life on the Street" is next to "Picket Fences." Competing for the same viewers -- the intelligent, discerning ones -- at the same time. And with episodes so good, both of them are must-see installments. But if you have no VCR, and must see only one, don't look for me to break the tie. Logic tells me to recommend "Homicide," because it might not survive long enough for a repeat viewing during rerun season. But
tonight's "Picket Fences," in which two characters from "Chicago Hope" are featured, is a truly terrific episode. NBC, since you didn't have to move "ER," please move "Homicide" to some other night. This just isn't fair.
* "The X-Files." (9 p.m.-10 p.m., WBFF, Channel 45) -- I haven't seen this episode, but previews show that Scully (Gillian Anderson) is back from her alleged alien abduction -- and, apparently, in very bad shape. Fox.
* "Homicide: Life on the Street." (10 p.m.-11 p.m., WMAR, Channel 2) -- Part 1 of 2. Lauren Tom guest stars as Emma Zoole, a somewhat kinky temptress who arouses interest in more than one Baltimore homicide detective. This episode is very good, and sets up next week's super-charged conclusion. NBC.
* "Picket Fences." (10 p.m.-11 p.m., WBAL, Channel 11) -- Hector Elizondo and Mandy Pantinkin are the only cast members of "Chicago Hope" who appear in this clever crossover episode, and "Picket Fences" regulars Fyvush Finkel and Kathy Baker (as patient Douglas Wambaugh and doctor Jill Brock) are the only ones making the trip to Chicago -- where forceful personalities clash, and David E. Kelley, writer-producer of both series, even slips in a very funny joke about rival "ER." Back in Rome, though, is where the best action is, in a stunning plot examining the
relationships between Sheriff Brock (Tom Skerritt), daughter Kimberly (Holly Marie Combs) and deputy Kenny (Costas Mandylor). CBS.
Cable
* "Taxi marathon." (8 p.m.-5:30 a.m., NIK) -- This is the final night of the six-night Nick at Nite marathon, encompassing more than 50 hours of "Taxi" time. On the information superhighway, I wonder, how much would that be if the meter had been running the whole trip?