TV Teen Should Stick To Being The Good Kid
Melissa Joan Hart is one TV teen I never want to see grow up. In her Nickelodeon series “Clarissa Explains It All,” she was the kind of teenager parents can only hope for smart, honest, resourceful and loving. This season, she brought good, clean fun to ABC as the star of “Sabrina, The Teenage Witch.”
I was disappointed when she starred in 1996’s “Twisted Desire” (NBC at 8) as a teen who dupes an infatuated suitor into killing her mom and dad. Why? Because they were too strict.
The fact-based TV-movie gives Hart (who was 20 at the time and a part-time student at New York University) a chance to spread her wings. She succeeds, to a point, as a spoiled and devious sociopath. Ultimately, she never quite overcomes her sweet-kid good looks and innocent demeanor.
Daniel Baldwin and Isabella Hofmann, both formerly of NBC’s “Homicide: Life on the Street,” play her parents. Jeremy Jordan portrays the lovesick gas station attendant who is tricked into committing the murders.
The movie should scare the heck out of dads who feel as though they’re losing control of their teenagers. Baldwin is a bit over the top as an overbearing father who sets strict rules and has unreasonably high expectations. But some parents will sympathize with how he can’t seem to impose limits without making his daughter hate him more and more.
“Twisted Desire” is such typical TV-movie fare that it’s hard to grade. But “Clarissa” fans can’t help but cringe a bit when they see her in this lower form of entertainment.
Highlights
“Extreme Comedy,” ABC at 8: Jenny McCarthy (who I predict will someday be the answer to a trivia question) hosts this special in which a half-dozen sitcom players get a taste of extreme sports. Sandra Bernhard, David Alan Grier, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Jeremy Piven and Holly Robinson Peete star.
“The Ruby Wax Show,” FOX at 8:30: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Zsa Zsa Gabor and Roseanne are interviewed.
“Beyond Obsession” (1994), ABC at 9: This wretched TV-movie looks like it was edited with a machete. Victoria Principal plays an overbearing mother murdered by her teen daughter’s boyfriend (Henry Thomas). A disclaimer warns that it is “inspired” by actual events. Principal’s “Mommy Dearest” impression is one of the more inept pieces of acting to hit the small screen in years.
Cable Calls
“Oddville,” MTV at 7 and 11: This new series promises a “carnival-like atmosphere” featuring name stars appearing with “regular people who possess unusual talents.”
“Biography,” A&E at 5 and 9: The series celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Marshall Plan with this profile of Gen. George Marshall.
“Music City News Country Awards,” TNN at 5 and 9: LeAnn Rimes, George Jones and Randy Travis host the 31st annual awards ceremonies from the Grand Ole Opry.
Alan Jackson and Vince Gill are up for seven and six awards, respectively. Among Jackson’s nominations is Entertainer of the Year, which he’s taken the past four years.
“Two Voices” (1997), LIF at 9: Silicone breast implants are the subject of this well-intended but contrived cable movie starring Gail O’Grady and Mary McDonnell. A well-balanced and informative half-hour hosted by Linda Ellerbee follows at 11.
“Drop Dead Gorgeous (A Tragicomedy): The Power of HIV-Positive Thinking,” HBO at 11: Comedian Steve Moore’s one-man show is an affecting and often hilarious look at his coming-of-age and coming to grips with AIDS.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Talk-show host Conan O’Brien and beer commercial couple, 92-year-old Harold Goodman and 80-year-old Marge Lintz.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Comedian George Carlin, actor Nick Chinlund and singer James Taylor.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Dave Barry, Vicki Lawrence, Barbara Ehrenreich and former New York state judge Sol Wachtler.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: NBC sportscaster Bob Costas, writer Merril Markoe and musical guest Bonnie Raitt. Repeat.