My Journey Through 1970s TV: Tuesday Nights, 1978

CBS and NBC tried their best with new and returning offerings, but neither had a chance against the juggernaut that was ABC’s Tuesday night hit factory. Four of the season’s top ten shows aired back-to-back this evening, and while one must applaud the network for tapping into what America liked to watch, it’s also unfortunate that their dominance claimed one series on a rival network that deserved a better fate. CBSThe Paper ChaseCBS Tuesday Night Movie“You teach yourselves the law, but I train your minds. You come in here with a skull full of mush and if you survive, you’ll leave thinking like a lawyer.”After a long and distinguished career, John Houseman at age 71 found the role that defined his career as law professor Charles Kingsfield in The Paper Chase (1973).After receiving the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, Houseman reprised the role in this series that, despite such a pedigree, was canceled after one season. The Showtime network brought it back for three more…