Abduction Story Barely Above Ordinary
The “mother’s-worst-nightmare” TV movies have become so ordinary that it was inevitable that the networks would up the ante. The latest tale of “a daughter’s worst nightmare” is “A Kidnapping in the Family,” ABC at 9.
Kate Jackson stars as a self-righteous and devious woman who abducts the child of her rebellious, divorced daughter, played by Tracey Gold.
Dede Cooper (Jackson) is introduced as the long-suffering mother of Sarah (Gold), who lives at home with her young son Kyle (Robert Bishop). Sarah takes advantage of Mom’s kindness, staying out all hours while showing little interest in holding down a job or being a responsible parent.
Dede, a restaurant owner with an obsession for appearances and her social standing, freaks out when she finds out Sarah is dating a man her friends say is a known drug dealer. To protect Kyle, she convinces child-welfare authorities that Sarah is a member of a satanic cult and that her son is the victim of ritual abuse. When the deception unravels, Dede runs off with Kyle.
Jackson acts well, cast against type. She assumes a steely sternness that brings chills. I wouldn’t want to cross this lady. Gold, made up to look like she’s spent too many nights in smoke-filled bars, is also convincing. You believe her transformation when her own mother forces her to take control of her life and fight for something worthwhile.
“Kidnapping” strikes at our fears of betrayal and abandonment. In the end, it’s too much like the wave of recent child-abduction movies. But Jackson and Gold offer performances that lift this one slightly above the ordinary.
Highlights
“The Nanny,” CBS at 8: Elizabeth Taylor makes the first of four appearances on CBS sitcoms, visiting Maxwell (Charles Shaughnessy) to discuss appearing in a play. Fran loses Liz’s priceless black pearl necklace, which becomes the link to episodes of “Can’t Hurry Love,” “Murphy Brown” and “High Society.” CBS didn’t make the shows available for review.
“Second Noah,” ABC at 8: We might have expected this. A hurricane bears down on the Florida coast as Noah and Jesse (Daniel Hugh Kelly, Betsy Brantley) attempt to return from a romantic New Orleans getaway. Ricky (James Marsden), their oldest, rises to the occasion to protect the family.
“Seduced By Madness,” NBC at 9: Ann-Margret’s talent is wasted in this fact-based story of an angry divorcee who talks three of her high-school students into murdering her ex-husband (Peter Coyote). In the conclusion, the killers turn against one and other as the black widow fails to come across with their share of the insurance money. It’s a waste of time.
“The American Experience,” KSPS at 9 : “Spy in the Sky” revisits the 1960 capture of U-2 spy pilot Francis Gary Powers.
“Chicago Hope,” CBS at 10: Misguided affection is the theme as Kronk (Peter Berg) sues Dr. Austin (Christine Lahti) for sexual harassment and manic-depressive Dr. Konstadt (Kathy Najimy) proposes to Dr. Shutt (Adam Arkin).
Cable Calls
“Biography,” A&E at 9: A key figure in 20th-century entertainment is profiled in “The Great Zigfield.” The entrepreneur is credited with creating the lavish reviews of the 1910s and ‘20s as well as discovering W.C. Fields, Fannie Brice, Will Rogers, Eddie Cantor and other legendary stars.
“Fashionably Loud,” MTV at 10: Singer Chris Isaak hosts what MTV says is the first fashion show with live musical performances. Top models show off the Spring ‘96 fashions. Coolio, Elastica and Filter perform. Cindy Crawford and Daisy Fuentes conduct backstage interviews. “The Making of Fashionably Loud” airs at 9:30.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35 : David Duchovny (“The X-Files”) and actor Rowan Atkinson. “Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11: 35 : Fran Drescher (“The Nanny”), singer Shania Twain and comedian George Miller.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m. : Dr. Ruth Westheimer, actor Kevin Kilner and comedians David Cross and Bob Odenkirk. Repeat.