Family Secrets Open Up Drama In ‘Terror’
If you’re a teenager, you may call FOX’s “Terror in the Family” at 8 a realistic drama. If you’re a parent, it’s your worst nightmare.
Either way, it won’t disappoint when it comes to the performances of Hilary Swank as a troubled teen and Joanna Kerns as her alcoholic mom.
“Terror” deals with a “perfect” family and its dirty little secrets that have been swept under the rug for years.
Fifteen-year-old Deena has become increasingly rebellious since dating her renegade boyfriend Garret (Andy Kavovit). When her mother Cynthia decides to draw the line, she’s gets a sock in the jaw.
When Deena’s dad (Dan Lauria) lays down the law, he gets a door viciously slammed on his hand.
Deena has become the kid from hell. And why not? Mom’s a boozer who spends her nights drinking and sobbing through old movies.
Dad, who never wanted children, hides out in his workshop - anything to stay out of Cynthia’s bed. Deena’s 13-year-old brother (Adam Hendershott) can’t face the family trials without a regular hit of the vodka he keeps in his dresser.
This would be a gloomy melodrama if not for Swank’s sincere and thoroughly convincing performance. Kerns rises to the occasion, with a touching portrayal of a woman hopelessly in denial.
Forgive the schmaltzy ending. After watching this gut-wrenching tale, you’ll be glad to see it offers some hope for a terribly mixed-up family.
Highlights
“Wings,” NBC at 8: This zany repeat shows why this series soars with laughs. Joe (Tim Daly) has a bizarre dream that he and Helen (Crystal Bernard) are in a plane crash. The next day, everything he dreamed before the crash begins happening.
“Nova,” KSPS at 7: “The Bombing of America,” has been edited to include the latest on the man authorities believe to be the Unabomber. The hour examines how scientists have helped investigators gather evidence in bomb cases, including the World Trade Center and Oklahoma City attacks.
“The Client,” CBS at 8: In the season finale (and possible series finale), Reggie (JoBeth Williams) takes a job in a prestigious law firm. She’s shocked to learn that a client (Ken Howard), a powerful senator, is guilty of sexual misconduct. She’s expected to lie to keep her job.
“NYPD Blue,” ABC at 10: Why, one wonders, would the network air a repeat from May of last season?
Murder witness Joyce Novak (Susanna Thompson) puts the moves on Simone (Jimmy Smits) and, when he declines, charges him with sexual misconduct.
Maybe someone thinks that prime time isn’t doing enough to reinforce the belief that when a woman says she has been harassed or assaulted, she could be lying. Thanks a lot, ABC.
Cable Calls
“Faith Hill and Little Texas: Turn Your Radio On,” TNN at 5 and 9: Hill headlines a February concert for country radio executives and on-air personalities meeting in Nashville, Tenn.
“Portrait in Black” (1960), AMC at 5 p.m. and 12:15 a.m.: An interesting cast is about all this murder-blackmail mystery has going for it. Lana Turner plays a woman who bumps off her rich husband (Lloyd Nolan) with the help of her doctor (Anthony Quinn). But someone knows their secret.
Sandra Dee, John Saxon, Ray Walston and Richard Basehart co-star.
“Boxing,” USA at 9 p.m. and 2 a.m.: From Bay St. Louis, Miss., former heavyweight champ Larry Holmes takes on Quin Navarre.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Talk-show host/actress Ricki Lake and Jack Wagner (“General Hospital”).
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Arsenio Hall and boxer Riddick Bowe. Repeat.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Political strategist James Carville and musical guest Michael McDermot. Repeat.