Networks Favoring Recycled Movies
If you were hoping for relief from repeats, you’ll be disappointed Sunday night. Network recycling continues with even FOX, the one network with a penchant for early premieres, airing a repeat movie Sunday at 8. (At 7, though, FOX rolls out new show “Big Deal.” See review below.)
Last May’s “Tornado!” once again brings twister madness to the small screen. A “storm chaser” (Bruce Campbell) and a meteorologist (Ernie Hudson) contend with an experimental warning device.
Over on NBC, back for another go is 1994’s soapy “Betrayal of Trust” (Sunday at 9). Judith Light turns in an affecting performance, portraying Chicago nightclub singer Barbara Noel, who is drugged and raped by her psychotherapist, Dr. Jules Masserman (Judd Hirsch).
Noel’s problem is twofold: She has no witnesses, and she is taking on one of the world’s most respected psychiatrists. Light’s effort can’t compensate for some annoying flaws in the way the story is constructed.
The assault takes place in the opening scene. Then, as Noel’s quest for justice moves forward, her history with Masserman is told in flashbacks. It’s hard to figure out how Noel, a chronically depressed drunk, suddenly pursues her case with such unrelenting precision.
Presumably for legal reasons - he was never convicted - Masserman is shown in only a few scenes, which Hirsch plays with a sneer that suggests a personal disdain for his character.
Over on CBS there’s the “Ghost”-like “Reunion” (Sunday at 9), which is uneasy viewing. This repeat TV movie from 1994 is a depressing tale about how a mother (Marlo Thomas) nearly falls into the depths of insanity because of her son’s accidental death.
Lee Grant’s directing is convincing here. Images of winter - snow and ice - effectively emphasize the void and coldness that death has brought to this family.
If you are looking for some laughs, ABC stations, such as Spokane’s KXLY, that choose not to pre-empt network programming for the “Jerry Lewis Telethon” will air a movie that will satisfy your craving for comedy.
Steve Martin is at his best in “L.A. Story” (1991) at 9 as he tries to make sense of Los Angeles and its feel-good lifestyle.
You can sum up Sunday evening with the expression, “What goes around. …”
Highlights
“Ushuaia: The Ultimate Adventure,” NBC tonight at 8: Daredevil action from Nicolas Hulot isn’t for those with weak hearts. He swims with whales, flies at 18,000 feet in a hot-air balloon and walks an I-beam high above the Big Apple.
“Dr. Quinn, Medicine Women,” CBS tonight at 8: The Old West drama that is the embodiment of family values repeats the first hour of the highly charged two-parter in which Dr. Mike has her baby.
“The Beatles Anthology,” ABC tonight, Thursday and next Saturday at 9: Some repeats are worth checking out again. So, tap your toes to a rocking-and-rolling documentary about the Fab Four.
Interviews with members of the Beatles, including the late John Lennon, double as the narration for this visually stunning, music-filled six-hour-long special.
Part 1 traces the Beatles’ earliest days, beginning with Lennon’s band, the Quarry Men. You’ll hear about the formation of The Beatles and get a glimpse at footage of appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
“Class Reunion” (1996), NBC tonight at 9: Hooray! This is not a repeat, and it’s hip. It’s from the producers of MTV’s “Real World.”
Former classmates, in some cases ex-lovers, who graduated in 1986 return to their hometown of Portland and move into two rented houses for five days. You’ll see these former high schoolers working out their differences and coping with old issues as they prepare for their 10-year reunion.
“Big Deal!,” FOX Sunday at 7: This hour hosted by Mark DeCarlo was unavailable for review. He persuades audience members to perform outrageous stunts.
Cable Calls
“Something to Talk About” (1995), HBO tonight at 8: Julia Roberts and Dennis Quaid team up as a married couple for this tale about infidelity. The best moments are supplied by co-stars Kyra Sedgwick, Gena Rowlands and Robert Duvall.
“Dolphins in Danger: On Location With Bridget Fonda,” TBS Sunday at 6: The plight of dolphins and killer whales around the world is the focal point of this underwater documentary. It’s a memorable swim in such waters as Puget Sound, the Amazon and the Gulf of Mexico.
Movie Marquee
“Columbo: Rest in Peace, Mrs. Columbo” (1990), FAM Sunday at 9: This vintage TV mystery movie serves up inquiring Lt. Columbo (Peter Falk) (in his trusty raincoat) coping with a psycho who sets out to kill Mrs. Columbo.