`WINGS' SOARS AWAY WITH UPLIFTING TALE

NBC's "Wings," never the pride of the network's prime-time fleet but always capable of high-flying laughs, takes off for its series finale at 9.

After all these years, Joe and Brian Hackett (Tim Daly, Steven Weber) finally come into the small fortune left behind by their father. But what to do with the freedom of their newfound wealth?

Does it mean the end of Sandpiper airlines? Certainly Brian wants no part of the day-to-day responsibility. But can Joe let go? However, the heart of the hourlong episode is in Helen's (Crystal Bernard) decision to give her career as a cellist one last try. Something about the years behind the airport lunch counter and her marriage to Joe has changed her. And it shows in the inspired new manner of her play. This isn't a great episode. Few finales match the best heights of a successful sitcom's run. But fans will certainly enjoy seeing how things are left. In a recent interview, Bernard told me there were lots of ways she thought the producers and writers could have made Helen more interesting. "But succeeding was never one of my suggestions," she said. "I like the fact that she was a loser. And I say that in the kindest way. "She tried so hard, everything she did, and it failed on her and it was funny. I liked her not being the homecoming queen, because I think everyone can identify with that." After eight seasons, it's Helen's time to fly. Highlights "The Daytime Emmy Awards," ABC at 8: Susan Lucci and Regis Philbin host the 24th annual ceremonies, which take place at New York City's Radio City Music Hall. Fred Rogers ("Mister Rogers' Neighborhood") receives this year's Lifetime Achievement Award. "The Nanny," CBS at 8: The season ends with Fran (Fran Drescher) following Maxwell (Charles Shaughnessy) to London, where she hopes to let him know how she feels about him. "Beverly Hills, 90210," FOX at 8: It's college graduation for the gang, and that brings a mix of laughs and tears. For Val and Kelly (Tiffani-Amber Thiessen, Jennie Garth) it's more of the same old cat-clawing. And Donna (Tori Spelling) decides it's time to lose her virginity. "An Evening of Championship Skating," KSPS at 8: Paul Wylie hosts PBS' refreshing departure from the network and cable skating specials featuring the same lineup of too-familiar pros. Included are 1996 World Championship silver medalist Ilia Kulik, 1992 Olympic silver medalists Elena Bechke and Denis Petrov, 1997 U.S. National bronze medalist Dan Hollander, and 1996 Junior Olympic champion Ann Patrice McDonough. "Under Siege" (1992), CBS at 9: Steven Seagal is a former Navy SEAL serving as a ship's cook. He combats terrorists who have taken over a battleship armed with nuclear weapons. "Barbara Walters Presents 6 to Watch," ABC at 10: Walters sits down with golf sensation Tiger Woods, actors David Duchovny and Chris O'Donnell, actresses Drew Barrymore and Janeane Garofalo, and teen singing sensation LeAnn Rimes. Don't you think this could just as easily be called "6 Who Are Overexposed"? Come on, Babs, surprise us once. Cable Calls "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986), COM at 8: Matthew Broderick stars in this sometimes thin story of a cocky teenager who cuts classes and ends up in plenty of places he shouldn't be. Look for Charlie Sheen, Louis Anderson and Max Perlich ("Homicide: Life on the Street"). John Hughes wrote and directed this one. Talk Time "Tonight," NBC at 11:35: Michael Richards ("Seinfeld") and O.J. Simpson trial prosecutor Marcia Clark. "Late Show With David Letterman," CBS at 11:35: Fitness guru Richard Simmons, actress Kelly Preston and music group Toad the Wet Sprocket. "Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher," ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Dean Koontz. "Late Night With Conan O'Brien," NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Tim Russert ("Meet the Press").

Copyright 1997 Cowles Publishing Company
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.