Brace Yourself For End Of ‘Nightmare’
CBS says “A Nightmare Come True” at 9 is based on the actual experiences of a woman tortured by recurring nightmares that her mother had met a violent death.
The repetitive, surreal depiction of those nightmares is the weakest part of an otherwise cohesive and engrossing TV movie that keeps you in suspense until the final chilling scenes - and I do mean chilling.
Katy Boyer stars as Sarah Zarn, a young nurse who moves back home after her apartment is damaged in a fire. Things haven’t changed: Her sarcastic bully of a father (Gerald McRaney) is still making her mother, Lily (Shelley Fabares), miserable.
Out of the blue, Mom disappears. Sarah receives postcards from as far as New York City, and her father gets a telephone call from Lily assuring everyone that she’s safe and starting a new life.
When the dreams begin, Sarah goes to the police. But they can’t get too interested in looking for an adult woman who leaves her husband.
The discovery of a diary begins to explain the matter away. Mom had had an affair! But then, Sarah stumbles upon a revealing clue that implies her dreams may be a warning.
McRaney’s stony performance makes it work, although the script gives away a little too much to allow you to have many doubts about what he might be keeping secret. The questions are how … and where.
Highlights
“The Nanny,” CBS at 8: An inept bank robber (Peter Scolari) gets more than he bargained for when he takes Fran and Sylvia (Fran Drescher, Renee Taylor) hostage.
“Wings,” NBC at 8: Rebecca Schull, who plays the series’ endearing Fay, steps into the spotlight. After years of reluctance, Fay finally brings herself to sell the personal belongings of her three deceased husbands. But no sooner than the goods are gone, the three goners come back to haunt her.
Matt Gottlieb, Richard Balin and Sam Shamshak star as the indignant spirits.
“The Drew Carey Show,” ABC at 9: Drew falls under the spell of a junior high classmate (Ann Magnuson) he once adored from afar when she’s nabbed at the department store for writing a bad check.
“Party of Five,” FOX at 9: Bailey’s (Scott Wolf) drinking habit continues to cause problems this week when he spoils Owen’s birthday party. Meanwhile, Julia (Neve Campbell) finds a side of Sam (Ben Browder) that brings a stop to their shaky relationship.
Cable Calls
“Kiss of the Spider Woman” (1985), TMC at 9: This intense drama offers a great escape from inane sitcoms and forgettable TV movies. William Hurt and Raul Julia star as cellmates - a gay man and a political prisoner, respectively - in a South American jail. Marvelous dialogue and fascinating flashbacks of these two extreme opposites make for absorbing viewing. Hurt won an Oscar for his performance.
“VH1 Archives,” VH1 at 6 and 10: Channel surfers make this series a frequent stop when they spot celebrities making guest appearances on shows from decades past. Tonight’s is a classic, as Muhammad Ali and Sly Stone clash during a 1974 episode of “The Mike Douglas Show.”
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Matthew Perry (“Friends”), actress Donna D’Errico and sci-fi experimenter Ira Katz.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Richard Harris, film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert and acrobats of the Far East Circus.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Maricopa County (Ariz.) Sheriff Joe Arpaio, former Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl Gates, actor-former L.A. police officer Ken Osmond and comedian Bob Odenkirk.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Musical guest Mary Chapin Carpenter.