It's no secret that one of Bill Clinton's most ardent supporters is Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, the creator and producer of the hit CBS comedies "Designing Women" and "Evening Shade."
As a matter of fact, it was Bloodworth-Thomason who put together the film that introduced Clinton at July's Democratic National Convention. And her husband and partner, Harry Thomason, is a longtime Clinton supporter who has worked hard on the Clinton campaign.So, what with Bloodworth-Thomason debuting a new show tonight - "Heart's Afire" (7 p.m., Ch. 5) - that is set behind the scenes at a U.S. senator's office in Washington, D.C., it should be filled with pro-Clinton rhetoric, right?
Wrong.
"This show, it turns out, is more romantic in nature than political," Bloodworth-Thomason said. "I just like the Washington backdrop.
"And we will certainly talk about politics whenever the issues are relevant. We won't be talking about the campaign and the actual candidates, because I think that would, first of all, not be appropriate, and secondly, would backfire. So I'm not going to do it."
As a matter of fact, her close ties with Clinton will have Bloodworth-Thomason treading lightly in the area of political humor for the next couple of months.
"Well, I think I have to wait until after November to talk about really political things," she said. "Just because a friend of mine is running for president, I don't want to lose the edge that I've had on `Designing Women' in writing about political issues like (the episode titled) `The Strange Case of Clarence and Anita.'
"But I think that's something I'm going to have to kind of watch until November. Because I do want to be responsible, and I don't want do anything either way that would be construed as trying to manipulate the election. I think that after November, we'll become more political."
Even without biting political commentary, it looks like Bloodworth-Thomason has another hit on her hands. "Hearts Afire" is one of the best new shows of the season.
John Ritter stars as John Hartman, the chief aide to conservative Southern senator Strobe Smithers (George Gaynes), who's rather, shall we say, bonkers.
A divorced father with custody of his two young sons, John is juggling his job, his family and his friends and co-workers when he's knocked somewhat for a loop by the news that his ex-wife has begun a relationship with another woman.
But his problems are nothing compared to those of Georgie Ann Lahti (Markie Post), an obnoxious, chain-smoking former star journalist who's very down on her luck. Her father has been wrongfully convicted of embezzlement, and she's spent all her money trying to get him out of prison. After being reduced to working at Euro-Disneyland for a time, she's back begging for a job as the senator's press secretary the day after all her clothes burned up in a fire.
Despite their differences, the chemistry and attraction between John and Georgie Ann is intense and immediate. He not only gives her a job, but he allows her to move into his house "temporarily."
"I wanted them to have a relationship that's somewhat akin to `Moonlighting.' But I don't want to drag it out that long. And they don't either," Bloodworth-Thomason said. "I would like for them to have a really responsible, loving relationship as soon as possible. And I think that's when it gets good, is when the romance starts."
Ritter and Post are both great, instantly making you forget their past television characters on "Three's Company," "Hooper-man" and "Night Court."
Like "Evening Shade," "Hearts Afire" is a bit overpopulated with supporting characters, but all of them seem to have something to add - it's just trying to fit them all in that's going to be a bit difficult.
The writing is crisp and often very funny, and the characters are wonderfully drawn. The first episode will leave you wanting to get to know these people better.
And, while this is by no means a sleazy show, the humor and situations can be rather adult. In addition to the unseen, apparently bi-sexual ex-wife, the senator is carrying on an affair with his ditzy receptionist, and the main relationship - John and Georgie Ann's - involves two adults who aren't married.
"We're going to show a very mature, sexual relationship," Bloodworth-Thomason said. "You know, he has children in his home and he's a very loving dad. And we want it to be very realistic about people who are in love and how they manage their sex lives when they have children. So that's what we're going to try to do."
She's not talking about anything particularly shocking, however. "Hearts Afire" is considerably less suggestive than a vast number of network offerings.
John and Georgie Ann do end up in the bathtub together at the end of tonight's hourlong premiere - but they have their clothes on.
"Hearts Afire" may just leave audience afire for more of John and Georgie Ann.