An SOS to ABC: Network prefers stupid over special as it mishandles two fine series

by Monica Collins

ABC is such a mixed-up network.

Not only has Disney-owned ABC seriously botched the delicate task of luring host David Letterman while not ruffling the feathers of "Nightline'' host Ted Koppel, but the network has seriously mishandled two terrific entertainment series, "Once And Again'' and "The Job.'' ABC plays with the fates of these series and has not yet decided to renew them for next season.

The producers of "Once And Again'' - Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick - are well-respected Hollywood heavyweights. Still, they have been reduced to groveling to save their show. Herskovitz and Zwick sent letters to TV critics asking for ink after ABC moved "Once and Again'' yet again.

The distinctive drama now airs Mondays at 10 p.m. on WCVB (Ch. 5) - from Fridays at 10, and before that, Tuesdays at 10. "Once and Again'' is the network's unwanted foundling, irritating such heavyweights as Barbara Walters, whose "20/20'' was moved from its longtime Friday time slot to make room for "Once'' ("20/20'' has since returned) and "NYPD Blue'' producer Steven Bochco, who felt similarly insulted when "Blue'' was bounced by "Once'' ("Blue,'' too, is back).

Meanwhile, "The Job,'' (Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. on WCVB) starring comedian Denis Leary as a proudly self-destructive New York cop, has gotten no respect. This character and the comedy are truly unique. However, Leary and "The Job'' are not as easily promotable as ABC's "Drew Carey'' or "Dharma and Greg'' - your basic stupid sitcoms.

"The Job'' is very dark, demented and, gee, kind of like life when things get messy. These cops are craven, caring, conniving and confused. Leary's character is strung between a meek suburban wife and a mistress, between cigarettes and alcohol, between his desire to be a good cop and his anger at authority. His best friend and partner, Pip (Bill Nunn), is a perfect, grounded foil. These guys are so bad, they're achingly funny and sublimely good.

"The Job'' pushes the boundaries of TV's bland taste and political correctness. While Drew Carey is a big vanilla bundle of boredom, ABC sticks by him. Leary is harder to trumpet because he and his show are more controversial. Disney wants ABC to make piles of money. Obviously, the Mouse House sees the best way to do this by sanitizing and homogenizing entertainment. Obviously, Disney and Leary are a bad fit.

So, too, Disney and "Once And Again.''

Last night on "Once and Again,'' viewers saw two high school girls kiss. The kiss was tasteful, appropriate and poignant. Go tell that to the "Drew Carey'' crowd, where fat people are ridiculed and beer-soaked behavior is glorified.

"Once And Again,'' about a blended family coping with all the angst and joy of togetherness, is a remarkable drama - for its challenging content and talented cast. Sela Ward and Bill Campbell star as Lily and Rick. Each is parent to two children, stepparent to two. They have married and divorced once before. Once and again. Ever the optimists, they try, try again.

What is so engaging about "Once and Again'' is its human complexity, simply portrayed. The dilemmas are those vexing entanglements that plague everyone who is a parent, a teenager, a lover or a friend. The drama sheds more light than heat.

In recent episodes, Rick's ex-wife, Karen (Susanna Thompson), has struggled to regain her health and spirit after being hit by a car. You can see the ex-husband's own pain as he deals with lingering feelings for her - feelings that his new wife totally understands.

The story lines involving the kids are no less powerful. Actress Evan Rachel Wood is remarkable as Jessie, the child of divorce who wears the psychic scars on her sad, expressive face. Wood is one of the best actresses on television, playing one of the most compelling characters.

Jessie is emblematic of the tender teenager, and, last night, as she kissed her best girlfriend, you how this would resonate for the sensitive young woman.

"Once and Again'' takes dramatic risks with intelligence and care. The series is one that a network should be proud to air.

ABC, however, seems bound and determined to scuttle "Once and Again'' as well as "The Job.''

The network can't seem to nurture any program more complicated than A-B-C. __ Boston Herald (March 12, 2002)

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