Sally Struthers is back on Still Standing

(Bravo, Sal! A gig is a gig, hon)

What to watch Monday
• Sally Struthers is back on Still Standing (CBS, Monday, 8 ET/PT) as Bill's mother, who ruins the family's Christmas plans by making them have dinner at her house. Struthers is reliably funny, which is more than one can say for Standing or for the tiresome I-hate-my-mom jokes that have become the hallmark of CBS comedies. (Note to Judy and Bill: As if you're some prize.) It's enough to make you yearn for the return of the waiting-in-the-wings Yes, Dear, a show that is better written, better acted and less aggravating than either Standing or Listen Up. Granted, that's a startlingly low standard to top, but still, better is better.

Wow, between this and the Vegas gig, Sal's a busy girl!

Wow, between this and the Vegas gig, Sal's a busy girl!

Hel, don't remind me (no offence, Sal). My stint in Coeur D'alene has sidetracked me beyond belief. Seanie's trying to get me a guest shot on The King of Queens. Wish me luck, hon.

Hel, don't remind me (no offence, Sal). My stint in Coeur D'alene has sidetracked me beyond belief. Seanie's trying to get me a guest shot on The King of Queens. Wish me luck, hon.
Good luck, hon. Ever consider doing tobacco ads in Japan?

Good luck, hon. Ever consider doing tobacco ads in Japan?

No, hon, because at my height I have such a complex about going over there let alone being around Orientals.

King of Queens? Good luck with that Neely. I once pitched a possible pilot to the networks - The Comedy Queen of Queens. Basically it's me living in Queens with a black guy, a gay guy, a prude, a bimbo, a nerd and Diller - all the political correctness bases covered (Diller representing the seniors). All the networks hated the idea but liked the shortened title of 'Queen of Queens' and the gay character. A year later the title's changed, 'Will and Grace' debuts to acclaim and that's all she wrote. It all came from my idea. I blame Diller. Showing up at the meeting with NBC wearing a tutu and drinking neat whiskey is not a good first impression. They offered me Dixie Carter as a replacement but even thought I wanted all PC bases covered I didn't want a drag queen!

Anyway I'm digressing and getting bitter. What else are the holidays for?! Good luck Sal!