TV REVIEWS : ‘Shining Time’ for Young Viewers

All aboard for the “Shining Time Station Holiday Special,” a gentle Christmas celebration for very young viewers from the Emmy-winning PBS children’s series, today at noon on Channel 28.

Guest star Lloyd Bridges, in snowy beard, plays mysterious Mr. Nicholas, who comes to the station to catch the Northern Star train. He encounters the series regulars: Didi Conn as station master Stacy Jones; Brian O’Connor, the shady but lovable Schemer; Jason Woliner and Nicole Leach as children Matt and Tanya, and, of course, Ringo Starr as the magical, 18-inch high Mr. Conductor.

Finding the true meaning of Christmas is the theme as grown-ups childishly compete to be chosen as “Santa’s Helper” in the holiday pageant, and Matt and Tanya shun a lonely, sullen little girl whose rude behavior keeps her from making friends.

Before the hour is up, everyone discovers the spirit of giving--with a little help from Mr. Nicholas.

The live action is interwoven with regular “Shining Time Station” features--quaintly animated Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends stories, narrated by Starr, songs from the Jukebox Puppet Band and a sentimental video about a little boy and a melancholy hobo on Christmas Eve.