Judy is just about to give up on Sam because his idea of a relationship doesn't jibe with hers.

9:00 (ABC) "Once and Again." This series begins the new year by being shifted to a new time. Wherever it's shown on Fridays, though, this serialized, mature drama is being tossed away slowly; Friday is no place for a show that needs to be seen regularly in order to be fully appreciated. That said, tonight's episode is an easy place to dive in, because it looks back, not ahead: its plot involved flashbacks, but ones newly created for the episode.

Fr), tries again to find a wider audience in a new time slot, as it moves up one hour earlier on Fridays. In this week's episode, Sam puts his relationship with Judy in jeopardy.

8-9pm CENTRAL (9-10pm for you West and East Coast viewers) This series begins the new year by being shifted to a new time. Wherever it's shown on Fridays, though, this serialized, mature drama is being tossed away slowly; Friday is no place for a show that needs to be seen regularly in order to appreciate it fully. That said, tonight's episode is an easy place to dive in, because it looks back, not ahead: Its plot involves flashbacks, but ones newly created for the episode.

"Once and Again" (9 p.m., WXYZ-TV, Channel 7, ABC). New time period. "Once and Again" moves into its new 9 p.m. home with everyone in the family babbling about the relationship of Sam (Steven Weber) and Judy (Marin Hinkle ). He's decided that he wants her to be more than just a friend. Isn't that sweet? Yes, but only if Sam's not a romantic sham.

Once and Again: "Taking Sides"
Friday, Jan. 4
ABC, 9 to 10 p.m. ET

The relationship between Sam (Steven Weber) and Judy (Marin Hinkle) takes a surprising turn when he decides he wants more of a commitment from her. Meanwhile, a lonely Karen (Susanna Thompson) is wounded when Jessie (Evan Rachel Wood) breaks a date with her to spend time at Lily's (Sela Ward).

Once and Again" airs one hour earlier this week (Friday, ABC, 9 p.m.). Jane Sibbett, who plays Ross's ex-wife Carol on "Friends," will play Sam's ex-wife Jeannine. It seems that Sam may finally be ready to make a commitment to Judy.

"Once and Again," 9 p.m., Channel 7. Praised by critics but never a big hit with viewers, this struggling drama series gets a possible break by being shown an hour earlier. The show leans to the serious side, as indicated tonight by Jessie (Evan Rachel Wood) being torn between her mother and her stepmother.

Judy (Marin Hinkle gets a big surprise from Sam (Steven Weber) in this new episode. He didn't seem to want to invest in their relationship as much as she wanted him to, but he does a turnaround and tells her he's ready to be more responsible. Meanwhile, Karen (Susanna Thompson) fears Lily (Sela Ward) is becoming more and more her maternal rival.

Flashbacks in the series' interview style recall a telling incident in the lives of Rick, Karen, Sam Blue's estranged wife (Jane Sibbett) and Sam himself, who rues another dalliance. Melissa: Rebecca McFarland. Sam: Steven Weber. Judy: Marin Hinkle. Karen: Susanna Thompson. Grace: Julia Whelan.

Cast: Billy Campbell, Sela Ward, Shane West, Evan Rachel Wood, Meredith Deane, Julia Whelan, Susanna Thompson, Marin Hinkle, Steven Weber, Ever Carradine, Jeffrey Nordling, Jane Sibbett, Rebecca McFarland

Friday, January 4 9:00 - 10:00 PM UPDATE (ONCE AND AGAIN)
"Taking Sides"

When Sam and Judy's relationship becomes the talk of the whole family, Sam finally realizes he wants Judy to be more than just a friend. Meanwhile Karen's loneliness and discomfort is compounded when Jessie cancels plans with her mom to stay at Lily's house. (A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate) (HDTV/5.1) (CLOSED-CAPTIONED)

Guest starring are Jane Sibbett as Jeannine, Rebecca McFarland as Melissa, Bess Fanning as Carolyn, Kelsey Chapman as Young Jessie and Gina Marie May as the coffee girl.

"Taking Sides" was written by David Schulner and directed by Mark Piznarski.