Creativity Lacking In ‘To Save The Children’
Long gone are the good old days when the networks used the summer to try out a few series that weren’t quite a fit in the fall schedule or suitable midseason replacements.
Now it’s mostly reruns, including repeats of TV movies that perhaps should never have seen the light of day in the first place.
There are two good reasons to tune out CBS’ “To Save the Children” at 9, a 1994 fact-based drama about a disturbed ex-police officer who, armed with a homemade bomb, threatens to blow up a Wyoming elementary school.
First, there’s Richard Thomas’ over-the-top performance as the deranged perpetrator. Second, there’s Robert Urich’s zombielike portrayal of a teacher who tries to avert disaster.
OK, there is another reason: Wendy Crewson’s turn as the madman’s wife is a clinic in bad acting.
The title suggests a sensitive story about saving children. The movie is really an excuse for depicting a lunatic who terrorizes children and traumatizes their parents. There’s no creativity in the suspense and not many surprises in the way the standoff is resolved.
Highlights
“L.A. Johns” (1997), FOX at 8: Here’s one I suspect we could live without. Brittney Powell (“Pacific Palisades”) plays a Hollywood hooker involved with a variety of “regulars.” Deborah Harry plays her madam. FOX did not make the TV movie available for review.
“Mad About You,” NBC at 8: Paul (Paul Reiser) escapes the fuss over Jamie’s (Helen Hunt) baby shower by going off on a men’s weekend with Ira (John Pankow) and Marvin (Jeff Garlin). But Paul and Ira end up on their own with plenty of time for guy talk. Repeat.
“Life’s Work,” ABC at 8:30: Lisa (Lisa Ann Walter) decides that attending a rock concert might make husband Kevin (Michael O’Keefe) more young at heart. As it turns out, feelings about her own lost youth are causing the problem.
“Frontline,” KSPS at 9: “Nazi Gold” reports on how Swiss banks were willing partners with Germany during World War II, responsible for hiding the assets of millions of Jews killed in the holocaust.
“Frasier,” NBC at 9: A depressed and lethargic Eddie sees a doggy shrink … which is about all you need to know about this very funny repeat.
“Home Improvement,” ABC at 9: A repeat of the 1996 season premiere finds Tim (Tim Allen) and the “Tool Time” crew aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. Meanwhile, back in home port, Jill (Patricia Richardson) catches Brad (Zachery Ty Bryan) in his bedroom with his girlfriend.
“NYPD Blue,” ABC at 10: From November, Simone and Sipowicz (Jimmy Smits, Dennis Franz) investigate the beating and robbery of a princess. Their suspect: Her prince.
Cable Calls
“Fear Strikes Out” (1957), AMC at 4 and 8:45: Anthony Perkins stars as baseball’s Jimmy Piersall, who was crushed by a mental breakdown.
Critics have had a field day picking apart this film, which plays hard and fast with facts and commits a few glaring errors. But it still makes for a stirring sports movie with Karl Malden as a hard-driving father who pushes his son over the edge.
“Larry King Live,” CNN at 6: King welcomes Bob Woodward, Carl Bernstein and G. Gordon Liddy on the 25th anniversary of the Watergate break-in.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Musical group God’s Property with Kirk Franklin.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Model Kathy Ireland, actor Richard Kind and comedian Jeremy Hotz.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Charlton Heston, John Waters, economist Sally Pipes and comedian Charles Fleischer.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Comedian George Carlin and Malcolm Gets (“Caroline in the City”).