New ‘Thorn Birds’ Flies On Strong Writing
As a miniseries in 1983, Colleen McCullough’s heart-tugging novel “The Thorn Birds” measured record ratings with its intense drama, great location shots and lots of passion.
Set in Australia’s rough-and-ready outback, it focused on the love affair between Father Ralph de Bricassart (Richard Chamberlain) and young Meggie Cleary (played by Rachel Ward in the 1983 saga).
Although, it seemed, America was satisfied with the original miniseries, some producers in Hollywood were not.
This year’s “The Thorn Birds: The Missing Years,” CBS Sunday and Tuesday at 9, returns to Australia in the early ‘40s, where Meggie (played this time by Amanda Donohoe) has regretted her decision to reconcile with her hard-drinking husband Luke (Simon Westaway). His temper has led to physical abuse and an unhealthy obsession with Meggie’s son Dane (Zach English).
Meanwhile, the church sends Father Ralph, now an archbishop, to the church-owned horse ranch Drogheda to check into its financial hardships and to see how it’s being managed by the Clearys. Admittedly, gone is much of the sin and passion of the 1983 tale, but added to the story is a strong script, intelligence and great storytelling. What more could you ask for?
Highlights
“National Geographic Special: Cyclone,” NBC tonight at 8: Back for another airing is this hour on the so-called fastest winds on earth. You’ll see traumatic moments, including a storm with winds clocked at 280 miles per hour. This is hardly a breeze.
“Life With Mikey” (1993), ABC tonight at 9: This mildly amusing tale stars Michael J. Fox as a has-been child actor who becomes an agent for child stars. He tries to relive his glory years through his latest discovery - a troubled street urchin.
“The 46th Annual NBA All-Star Game,” NBC Sunday at 3: Matt Guokas and Steve Jones deliver play-by-play action, live from San Antonio, Texas.
“Nature: Alien Empire,” KSPS Sunday-Tuesday at 7: This epic is strange, odd and different. It’s all about insects and how they live alongside humans. You’ll enjoy this whole, new microscopic realm.
“Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” ABC Sunday at 8: Do you hear wedding bells in the distance? Lois and her super man just might tie the knot tonight if they overcome a few obstacles such as Tony Curtis playing a murderous biologist.
So will Lois and Clark say, “I do”? Does anyone care anymore?
“In the Line of Duty: Smoke Jumpers” (1996), NBC Sunday at 9: Visually stunning, this fact-based tale about a highly trained group of expert parachutist-firefighters traces the sacrifices, hardships and dangers of controlling forest fires.