Jim Johnston Movies

PBS' ZOOM is a lively children's TV show full of humor, activities, dance, and music -- with much of the material inspired, created, and performed by kids. In this "party" special, the antics continue, with bloopers and blunders, outtakes from dance rehearsals, audition clips, and candid peeks backstage. The ZOOMers also present suggestions to help children plan and give a party of their own -- including ideas for creating invitations, making easy no-bake treats, playing ZOOM-style party games, and learning to perform convincing magic tricks. ~ Alice Duncan, All Movie Guide

Manhattan pediatrician Meg Salter (Priscilla Presley) impulsively flies to Paris to surprise her professor husband Brian (Ben Masters). But it is Meg who is surprised, and not pleasantly so: Also on board the plane is Brian's pregnant mistress Olivia (A. J. Langer)--who goes into labor during a heavy rainstorm. With Monica (Roma Downey and the other angels occupied elsewhere, rookie caseworker Celeste (Hudson Leick) may have to straighten out this situation all by herself, a task that becomes more problematic with each passing minute! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

When the residents of a former space colony return to invade Earth, it is up to a cadre of inexperienced military school graduates to save the planet. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

Babylon 5 plays reluctant host to 25,000 ground-pounding Earth troops, who, acting under secret orders, have been assigned to snuff out a rebellion. Exacerbating an already unpleasant situation is the fact that the troop's leader (Paul Winfield is Dr. Franklin's long-estranged father. The title of this episode refers to a vindictive alien race, from whom Delenn can expect no good. Written by Lawrence G. DiTillio, "Gropos" was originally broadcast on February 8, 1995. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

The crew of Babylon 5 is thrown into a state of panic when Cmdr. Sinclair rescues an alien Soul Hunter (W. Morgan Sheppard). It is well known that the alien's avowed purpose is to capture people's souls at the moment of death. Thus, each crew member is terrified that he or she will be targeted as the alien's next "catch." Also known as "Amaranth", "Soul Hunter" was written by J. Michael Stracynski; the episode first aired on February 2, 1994. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Russ Tamblyn guest-stars as Capt. Maynard, an old war buddy of Captain Sheridan's. Maynard's arrival prompts Sheridan to realign his priorities --- and then disaster strikes. On other fronts, Delenn runs afoul of the Delenn hierarchy, while Dr. Franklin tries to administer nutritional advice to some unwilling patients. The episode rushes to a conclusion with a desperate rescue mission, launched from hyperspace. Written by D.C. Fontana, "A Distant Star" was originally telecast on November 23, 1994. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Babylon 5 plays host when the representatives of different alien religions gather for a conference. Just before the conference gets under way, G'Kar learns that he has been targeted for assassination, literally from beyond from the grave. Meanwhile, Sinclair has a reunion with his ex-sweetheart Catherine Sakai (Julie Nickson). Written by J. Michael Straczynski, "The Parliament of Dreams" (alternate title: "Carnival") earned Babylon 5 its second Emmy for makeup design. The episode first aired on February 23, 1994. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

The McCarthy Era threatens to reblossom in the 23rd century when Sinclair is targeted for a witch hunt by an embittered Earthforce special investigator. During Sinclair's far from equitable trial, telepathy comes into play as a key prosecution weapon. And on the lighter side, Garibaldi tries to restore a 20th century motorcycle, while a throwaway line makes reference to the real-life band fronted by series regular Bill Mumy. Written by Lawrence G. Tillion, "Eyes" was filmed as the final installment of Babylon 5's first season, though it was ultimately telecast as the 16th of the season's 22 episodes on July 13, 1994. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Hulk Hogan, in an inarguably appropriate casting choice, plays a professional wrestler in this action-packed drama. Rip (Hogan) is a grappling star who is approached by Brell (Kurt Fuller), the new head of the World Television Network. Brell wants Rip to wrestle on his network, but Rip insists on honoring his commitment to another outlet. Brell responds by launching a show called "Battle of the Tough Guys," in which the beefy regulars of a particularly rough drinking establishment fight each other on camera. Zeus (Tom "Tiny" Lister, Jr.) soon emerges as the bad guy champion on this new show, and Brell uses Rip's friendship with his assistant Samantha (Joan Severance) to arrange a bout between Zeus and Rip. Rip is not at all interested until Zeus injures his brother and makes the fight a matter of personal pride. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide