Quality Acting Lifts ‘Terror In The Family’
Though it would seem to be the wrong time of year to be recommending a rerun, you could do a lot worse tonight than tuning in 1996’s “Terror in the Family” (FOX at 8).
This TV movie centers on a troubled teen (Hilary Swank) and her alcoholic mom (Joanna Kerns). They’re part of a “perfect” family that has been sweeping its dirty little secrets under the rug for years.
Fifteen-year-old Deena has become increasingly rebellious since dating her renegade boyfriend Garret (Andy Kavovit).
When her mother Cynthia decides to draw the line, she gets a sock in the jaw. When Deena’s dad (Dan Lauria) lays down the law, he gets a door angrily slammed on his hand.
Deena has become the kid from hell. And why not?
Mom’s a boozer who spends her nights drinking and sobbing through old movies. Dad, who never wanted children, hides out in his workshop, doing anything to stay out of wife Cynthia’s bed.
Deena’s 13-year-old brother (Adam Hendershott) can’t face the family trials without a regular hit of the vodka he keeps in his dresser.
This would be a gloomy melodrama if not for Swank’s sincere and thoroughly convincing performance. Kerns rises to the occasion with a touching portrayal of a woman hopelessly in denial.
Forgive the schmaltzy ending. After watching this gut-wrenching tale, you’ll be glad to see it offers some hope for a terribly mixed-up family.
Highlights
“Baseball,” NBC at 5: The Marlins and Braves meet in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series.
“Nova,” KSPS at 7: “Faster Than Sound” celebrates the anniversary of pilot Chuck Yeager’s first flight breaking the sound barrier, which took place 50 years ago today. The hour reveals previously unknown aspects of the test programs and the quest to fly faster than the speed of sound.
“Home Improvement,” ABC at 9: The series makes a point about fathers, sons and sports.
Tim (Tim Allen) becomes Brad’s (Zachery Ty Bryan) personal trainer when a college indicates he’s a candidate for a sports scholarship. It’s clearheaded Jill (Patricia Richardson) who sees that Tim is putting their son under too much pressure. (A repeat airs at 8.)
“Hiller and Diller,” ABC at 9:30: Ted (Kevin Nealon) is a wreck when he encounters his former college sweetheart (Nana Visitor, “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”). But he’s driven to distraction when she shows an interest in Neil (Richard Lewis).
“Dellaventura,” CBS at 10: It’s the same plot as last week and the week before. A crime is committed, and Dellaventura (Danny Aiello) takes it personally.
This time, the private eye’s former police partner is murdered, and an internal affairs investigation finds he was a dirty cop. But Dellaventura knows his pal was a straight shooter and sets out to restore his late colleague’s reputation.
“NYPD Blue,” ABC at 10: In a tense episode, Medavoy (Gordon Clapp) is stunned when the pregnant mother of his child (Paige Turco) is wounded and her lover murdered during an assault.
Also, it’s an up-and-down episode for Martinez (Nicholas Turturro) and Gina (Lourdes Benedicto). And Simone and Sipowicz (Jimmy Smits, Dennis Franz) investigate the death of a woman whose charred remains are found in her vehicle.
Cable Calls
“From the 10 Spot,” MTV at 10: A new live concert series opens on a high note as MTV catches up with the Rolling Stones in a small club, the location of which is being kept secret. The Stones are notorious for these surprise club gigs, and being there should be a trip.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actress Sigourney Weaver and Jennifer Love Hewitt (‘Party of Five”).
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: “Master regurgitator” Stevie Starr and music group Green Day.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: To be announced.
“The Late Late Show With Tom Snyder,” CBS at 12:35 a.m.: To be announced.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: David Duchovny (“The X-Files”) and ABC’s Sam Donaldson and Cokie Roberts.