`Murder, She Wrote' Film May Air This Fall

Q: When will the first "Murder, She Wrote" two-hour movie be shown?

A: The first in a series of prime-time movie specials for CBS is in production now. Angela Lansbury reprises her role as Jessica Fletcher in "Murder, She Wrote: South By Southwest." Mel Harris ("Something So Right," "thirtysomething") will co-star. No air date has been announced, but look for the movie to premiere later this year.

Q: I'm trying to find out what happened to Michael Zaslow (Roger Thorpe on "Guiding Light"). My favorite soap is not the same with him gone. Bring him back soon.

A: Zaslow started a three-month leave of absence from the show April 16 for undisclosed health reasons. He began playing the role of handsome villain Thorpe in 1971, and has gone through more than one reincarnation. He was "killed" after standing trial for marital rape in 1979 and, the following year, he fell off a cliff in the Dominican Republic, only to reappear nine years later. Despite his on-air dastardly deeds, Zaslow is one of GL's most popular stars, and the recipient of a Daytime Emmy Award and a Soap Opera Award. Dennis Parlato is filling in as Roger Thorpe until Zaslow returns.

Q: Of all the reruns that appear on TV, I would like to know what happened to the series "MacGyver." Will it be rerun in the near future?

A: "MacGyver" reruns have been running on the USA network, but recently went off the air for a break. "MacGyver" star Richard Dean Anderson will debut next month in "Stargate SG-1," a new sci-fi series on Showtime cable. Based on the film "Stargate," the new show premieres July 27. If you still miss "MacGyver," you can hear the series' theme song on "Television's Greatest Hits, Vol. VI," now on CD.

Q: I really enjoy watching the "Drew Carey Show" on ABC, and especially like the character of Kate, played by Christa Miller. Can you please provide information about past TV shows or movies that Christa has been in, and also any personal information?

A: Miller started her professional career as a model, following in her mother's footsteps. She got her first TV role on "Kate & Allie" without, she says, the help of her aunt, series star Susan Saint James. Miller's also had parts in "Seinfeld," "Northern Exposure," "Party of Five" and "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," in the movie "Deceived" and the TV movie "A Friend to Kill For." On a personal note, Miller is a sports fan with a special affinity for paddle tennis and the New York Giants.

Q: My family and I loved the show "Soul Man," which hasn't been on for a few weeks. I was wondering if ABC canceled it?

A: The Dan Aykroyd comedy had a short run this spring and will return to lead off ABC's Tuesday night lineup this fall.

Q: I watched the Lifetime channel movie "When No One Would Listen," with Michele Lee and James Farentino. It was made in 1992. Weren't they married? Was this movie made after they divorced?

A. Yes it was. Lee and Farentino were divorced in 1981. Send your questions about TV to: Dallas Morning News, Communications Center, P.O. Box 655237, Dallas, TX 75265. Sorry, no personal replies.