by Doug Nye
In case you missed the premier episode of Life Goes On on Tuesday, ABC is airing it again tonight at 9. It is quite simply the best new show on television this fall.
The focus of this dramatic series is a contemporary family -- Drew Thacher (Bill Smitrovich); his second wife, Libby (Patti LuPone); and their three children -- Paige (Monique Lanier), a daughter from his first marriage; Becca (Kellie Martin), a typical teenager; and 18-year-old son Corky (Christopher Burke).
The beauty of this show is that the characters are believable. For instance, none of the kids are cut from the "cute" mold. And Burke, an actor with Down's Syndrome like his character, is something special to watch.
The Thatchers face familiar day-to-day problems and worries. Drew is concerned about reaching into the family savings to start his own construction company. Libby frets about turning 40. Becca is fearful about having Corky in class with her.
The wonderful atmosphere and texture of Life Goes On are ingredients too often missing from television. The program proves the networks can show more than mindless sitcoms and noisy cop shows. Life Goes On will move into its
regular 7 p.m. Sunday time slot Sept. 24.