THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, September 23, 1996 TAG: 9609200177
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: By Larry Bonko, Television columnist
LENGTH: 43 lines
``Mr. Rhodes''
Network, time: NBC, 8:30 Monday night
Cast: Tom Rhodes, Ron Glass, Stephen Tobolowsky, Farrah Forke and Jessica Stone
Plotline: Hip writer with hair longer than Howard Stern takes a job teaching English at conservative Harkin Academy prep school, which upsets stuffy faculty. But pleases students who are happy to hear him say, ``I'll bust my butt to be real cool, and I expect you to bust your butt to receive said cool.''
Mini-review: This is one of eight new shows with a schoolroom presence, and maybe the most fun of that bunch. First-time teacher Rhodes is engaging from the moment he appears and admits to the kids, ``All I've ever taught before is, `Roll over' and `Sit, boy!' '' His sex appeal will keep female viewers interested. After several tries, Forke may finally find sitcom stardom. 2 1/2 stars (Out of a possible five).
``The Jeff Foxworthy Show''
Network, time: NBC, Monday night at 8
Cast: Jeff Foxworthy, Ann Cusack, Haley Joel Osment
Plotline: This is made over sitcom from ABC lineup last season with Foxworthy's blue-collar character - he works on a loading dock - moving from the Midwest to Georgia, where the comic has roots. Only Osment, who plays his son, remains from the ABC cast.
Mini-review: Although NBC promoted this sitcom like mad during the Olympics, the network still hasn't made a review copy available to TV writers. Judging from bits and pieces of the pilot I saw in Los Angeles last July, it appears Foxworthy is more at ease and funnier in the new setting. However, he can't act, and isn't a compelling TV presence. But people were saying that about Jerry Seinfeld not many years ago. (No rating). ILLUSTRATION: Color photos by NBC
Cast of "Mr. Rhodes"
Jeff Foxworthy by CNB