Fall TV preview: Tuesday's returning shows

Spin CITY
ABC 8-8:30 PM Starts Sept. 21

Heather Locklear claims she wanted a new challenge. She says she respects Michael J. Fox's acting skills. She was also an unemployed actress looking for work. But the real reason the former Melrose Place vixen packed her bags to join ABC's snappy political sitcom Spin City? ''I heard there's a batting cage right next to where we shoot,'' says Locklear, a mere 24 hours before making her move to Spin's home base, New York City. ''I love batting cages.''

Well, there's no denying she's got a pretty good home-run average when it comes to TV. Locklear's career-making roles in T.J. Hooker and Dynasty earned her a permanent place in the camp hall of fame, even before her soap-operatic grand slam as Melrose's deliciously bitchy ad exec Amanda Woodward. Still, Locklear was eager to trade in catfights for comedy when Spin City came calling.

''My manager told me about the offer in passing, like, 'What a compliment, but oh well, they're shooting in New York,''' says Locklear. ''Within half an hour I was on the phone with my husband [Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora] like, 'Would you be interested in moving to New York?' and he was like, 'I'm ready. Let's go.'''

Things won't be as easy for Locklear's Caitlin Moore, a wily workaholic who beats out James Carville (a season premiere guest star) to become manager of Mayor Winston's (Barry Bostwick) senatorial election campaign. ''Caitlin is charming and funny but she's got issues,'' is all Spin executive producer David Rosenthal will divulge. ''Heather's going to be a lot funnier and nuttier and looser than she's been allowed to be in her previous roles.'' Um, looser than on Melrose Place? Well, not that way — at least not initially. ''For the first half of the season, she and Mike are sparring constantly,'' says Rosenthal, adding cryptically, ''But who knows?''

If sparks do fly, it's doubtful they'll last long, given Mike's knack for Quayle-deep relationships and the fact that Locklear only signed a one-year contract. ''You never know what'll happen,'' she says. ''I don't know if I'll like it or if they'll like me.'' Should she strike out, Warner Bros. TV president Peter Roth, who pondered wooing Locklear before Spin nabbed her, is said to be warming up with a new pitch. ''Oh, that Peter,'' laughs Locklear. ''Maybe next time up.'' — JESSICA SHAW, with additional reporting by Cheryl Klein

Dilbert
UPN, 8-8:30 p.m.

Ex-Seinfeld scribe Larry Charles calls in a few favors as Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, and Wayne Knight guest-voice on the animated series' second season. Theirs aren't the only celebrity pipes: Andy Dick, Buck Henry, and Christopher Guest will also be heard. ''On Seinfeld or any show, it takes a while to figure out the formula,'' says Charles. ''We're just trying to make it smarter and funnier — and to reach a wider audience.'' Pssst: You might want to consider switching to a network with a wider audience. (Oct. 5)