It Had to be You

Jim 1990s

Aired: 1993(CBS)It Had to be You

DAD: Mitch Quinn (Robert Urich) / Widower

DAD’S JOB: Carpenter

KIDS: David (Justin Whalin) (16), Christopher (Will Estes) (13), Sabastian (Justin Jon Ross) (8)

WHERE’S MOM?: Dead

STAND-IN “MOM”: Laura Scofield (Faye Dunaway) / Girlfriend

Four episodes — that’s how long this magical series lasted.

Ever watch Murphy Brown? Remember Eldin, Murphy’s handyman? Imagine Eldin dating Murphy and you’ve got the plot of this show, which died midway through October.

Robert Urich, in his THIRD try at single dad-ness (see American Dreamer and Crossroads, above), was a cabinetmaker working for high-falutin’ book publisher Faye Dunaway. Dang — they never tied the knot so his kids could star in “Step-Mommie Dearest.”

A clang on the Hop Sing Memorial Chuck Wagon Triangle for Halaria333@aol.com for pointing out this feather in Mr. Urich’s acting cap. Thanks, Halaria333!