‘Temptation’ Shows Consequences
It happens more often than you’d like to think. A single mom dates a much younger man, and sparks begin to fly between him and her teen daughter.
CBS’ “Sweet Temptation” at 9 stars Beverly D’Angelo as a woman who has worked hard to develop the business she owns. She’s made sacrifices, perhaps neglecting her daughter Jade (Jenny Lewis) in the process. Now she finally has time for a man in her life.
She can’t believe she’s in a relationship with Billy (Rob Estes). He’s a handsome young hunk and someone she feels she can trust. Jade, who is going through a typical period of defying her mother, finds herself attracted to Billy. You can see that trouble lies ahead.
In an odd sort of way, this story isn’t about seduction on either Jade or Billy’s part. Things just sort of happen.
What the movie does best is show the grave consequences of an irresponsible lapse of judgment and how the choices people make are connected to many facets of their lives.
D’Angelo turns in a passionate performance. If you’re the parent of a teenager, you’ll relate to the way she’s torn between her own needs and her child’s impulse to be independent. They’ve both been injured by divorce.
Lewis delivers a believable portrayal of a young girl who is confused about her feelings and then crushed by a life-altering mistake.
A too-tidy ending blemishes this tale. But otherwise it’s a family drama with unexpected depth.
Highlights
“The American Comedy Awards,” ABC at 8: Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley are among the performers who light up the 10th annual awards taped Feb. 11. Lily Tomlin as Ernestine tests the Internet, and Beatrice Arthur plays opposite a pig in a spoof of “Babe.”
“National Geographic Special: Russia’s Last Tsar,” NBC at 8: You could say this is the condensed version of last month’s excellent three-hour-long Discovery Channel documentary on Russia’s Nicholas II and his ill-fated imperial family. Jeremy Irons narrates the special.
Typically, NBC has been overplaying the “mystery” of Anastasia. But otherwise it’s a solid hour.
“Rookie of the Year” (1993), FOX at 8: Kids and adults will enjoy sharing this fantasy about a 12-year-old Little Leaguer (Thomas Ian Nicholas) who develops a majorleague fastball. He’s signed by the pennant-hungry Cubs. Gary Busey and Daniel Stern co-star. Stern directed.
“PrimeTime Live,” ABC at 10: Correspondent Jay Schadler spent 10 days hitchhiking across the country to find out what makes America tick. Armed with a small camera, he’s recorded some fascinating people who gave him a lift.
Among them is a young girl, pregnant with twins, on her way with her parents to try to get her boyfriend out of a California jail.
Parents’ Pick
“Old Yeller” (1957), DISN at 8: There’s nothing more touching than the love between a boy and his dog, and this Disney frontier classic still holds up. Tommy Kirk, Fess Parker and Dorothy McGuire star.
Cable Calls
“Hidden in Silence” (1996), LIF at 9: Kellie Martin isn’t quite up to the role of Fusia Podgorska, a Catholic teenager who, for two years, hid 13 Jews from the Nazis. There are terrifying moments in the handsomely mounted fact-based film that portrays life in occupied Poland.
But Martin never persuades you that she’s anything other than an American girl affecting a poor Polish accent. It’s a fatal weakness in what should be a more inspiring film.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Mel Gibson and model Elle MacPherson.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actress Bonnie Hunt and singer-musician k.d. lang.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: To be announced.