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* ' V . ' ? 4T axi' a si By Gsry Bracl Oamacack Staff W Glancine at the television schedule for the fall season, one can almost predict which programs will have the highest ratings simply by their assigned position. For example, the new comedy Taxi will probably have the highest ratings of any new program this season because it comes after "Three's Company and before "Starsky and Hutch" on Tuesday nignts. If a good time period means a big hit, then Taxi will be the biggest hit this season. After all, Tuesday night is ABC's strongest night this season just like this past season. The evening begins with the two lop-raiea programs ot tnis past season--"Happy Days" and "Laverne and Shirley." These programs are followed by the ever popular sex comedy, "Three's Company." If for no other reason than Americans are too lazy to change the dial on the television set, Taxi will be this season's winner. However, if the public really watches this program, then they will see the series lacks a lot. THE PROGRAM involves a taxi dispatcher's office and taxi drivers. The series stars Judd TV Capsule Reviews By Glen Rawls Oamtocfc Staff Writer Four stars-excellent; three starsgood; two stars-fair; one star-poor Mary- 8 p.m., Sunday - +-f - (19): Mary Tyler Moore's highly touted varietv show debut came-off somewhat less than spectacular. A good opening segment with the audience gave way to an awful production number with her cast dreesed in football uniforms and an even worse segment of not-so-funny audition tapes. There are some bright moments in the show, though--the "Ed Asner Dancers" were delightful and a closing sketch with the ensemble cast playing themselves worked very nicely. At this point, the show can go either way very quickly. And, ho yes-Mary? Quit smiling. Who's Watching The Kids? - 8:30 p.m., Friday - + + + - (not seen in Columbia) From the makers of Laverne and Shirlev come this well-produced comedy. Although the pilot lacked direction, Larry Breeding (Larry) is an excellent comic actor. The one problem with this show is Scott Baio (of Happy Days fame) who is more than irritating. The Waverly Wonders - 8p.m., Friday - + - (not Seen in Columbia) Joe Namath's sitcom premiere works out rather poorly. What is suprising about all this is that Joe isn't half as bad as the student actors on the show. The gymnasium set is obviously readso real, in fact, that the sound Hnrincr cnmo nnrtinno nf th<> ahnur is unforgivable. Don't count on this to last too long. f rvamp oi kett j Hirsch as the only full-time cabbie. It seems everyone else only drives a cab part time while waiting for a job in his own "field of expertise." Hirsch is a fine actor, who was last seen portraying Valerie Harper's boyfriend on a couple of "Rhoda" episodes. In fact, he was recently nominated for an Emmy. Beinc talented helDS. hut even Clint Eastwood or John Wayne can't make a good movie without a superior script. The main problem with Taxi seems to be with the writers. It appears they don't know which direction to take. Therefore, the viewer doesn't either. For example, the first episode had i r _ 11 a nirsun ctnu ienow caDDies discover the pay phone at the dispatcher's office was malfunctioning enabling them to call worldwide free of charge. So Hirsch decided to phone his ex-wife who was living in Brazil in order to find out how his daughter, who he had not seen or heard from in years was doing. AFTER TALKING to her Hirsch learns his daughter planned nn ffninff awav tn onlleae in Eiirmv and she needed to change planes in Florida. Hirsch decided to meet his daughter. When Hirsch arrived in Florida, he and his daughter had a touching reunion.. Offe whil Last A r undeve] Jab. i "SB* Cast of "Taxi" ... a good time slot ( The program was well written, but why did the writers waste a whole episode on Hirsch's daughter, who will probably nevei ' be seen again? tm Jill# ~l Bill ,t participating Piz; 617 South Main S 2903 North Main ! 1300 Knox Abbotl [oped chj ^18 BfcijB^B >n Tuesday night may ] The program features a large cast of unique characters. If, in subsequent episodes, these personalities are permitted to develop, this program could < za Hut" restaurants t. 799-5036 3t. 252-3044 t Dr. 796-3240 aracters make the show a hit. become the top new comedy show. If not, it will probably be cancelled by mid-season. On a scale of one to 10, Taxi currently deserves a four. I ppr * I