‘No Return’ Reappears In Quality Version
Sequels and remakes are a risky business, but 1993’s “Point of No Return” (FOX at 8), a Hollywood rewrite of the 1990 French film “La Femme Nikita,” stands up to the original.
Anne Parillaud, whom you have probably never heard of, energized the first movie as a tough-as-nails gang leader coerced by the government into becoming an assassin. It’s an ultraviolent but smartly told tale that’s made all the more poignant by Parillaud’s ability to give seamless and profound despair to a character trying to escape her violent nature.
The American version stars Bridget Fonda, who lacks Parillaud’s mystique. Yet it is hard to imagine another American actress who could handle the part.
It’s not a glamorous role, and for the character - Maggie in the American film - to work at all, the audience must be convinced that first she is incapable of either love or compassion and, later, awakens to a new sense of morality.
Fonda nails it in a subdued fashion that leaves room for compelling performances by Gabriel Byrne, Dermot Mulroney, Harvey Keitel and Anne Bancroft.
It’s an absorbing thriller that stays true to the original, with no uplifting ending restyled to satisfy American audiences. It’s a sizzler.
Highlights
“Roseanne,” ABC at 8: In a repeat of the season finale, Darlene and David (Sara Gilbert, Johnny Galecki) are wed, but the big day is dashed by an unexpected catastrophe. This was probably the strangest ending of a sitcom season in TV history and one that doesn’t bode well for the upcoming season.
“Frasier,” NBC at 10: Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) is obsessed with understanding why the one member of a focus group (“Wings” co-star Tony Shalhoub) doesn’t like his radio show. The madcap romp ends with a blaze of laughs. Repeat.
“Caroline in the City,” NBC at 10:30: Elizabeth Ashley guest-stars as Richard’s (Malcolm Gets) jet-setting mom. She introduces Caroline (Lea Thompson) to NBC Entertainment President Warren Littlefield (in a cameo) and considers subletting her apartment to an oddball potential renter played by former “Cheers” co-star John Ratzenberger. Repeat.
“Democratic National Convention,” ABC, NBC and CBS at 7: The powwow in Chicago continues. (C-SPAN has podium coverage beginning at 4; CNN and KSPS coverage begins at 5.)
Cable Calls
“Anna and the King of Siam” (1946), AMC at 5 and 10:30: Irene Dunne and Rex Harrison starred in the first film version of the fact-based story of a 19th-century British woman who became the royal tutor to a strict Asian potentate.
The romantic tale was, of course, adapted as a stage musical and later as the 1956 film “The King and I,” which is the second half of an AMC double-feature that follows at 7:15 p.m. and 12:45 a.m. Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr star.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Tom Arnold, chef Emeril Lagasse (“The Essence of Emeril”) and country singer Trisha Yearwood.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor-comedian Eddie Murphy and actor Kevin Costner.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Alonzo Mourning of the NBA’s Miami Heat and music guest John Sebastian.