Predictable Plot In ‘Circle Of Deceit’ Bores
Sometimes you can tell by a TV movie’s title that you’re in for the same old stuff. “Circle of Deceit” (ABC at 9) is a case in point. Janine Turner (“Northern Exposure”) stars as a woman who fights back when her no-good estranged husband (Esai Morales) tries take her son away.
There are no surprises. First, you see Terry Morrison (Turner) putting up with her lawyer-husband’s quick temper and hateful remarks. Of course, we see him in bed with his girlfriend before Terry figures out he’s a total sleaze. When she discovers his infidelity, she tries to throw him out. But he kicks her out instead, with a promise he’ll use his power to keep her from winning custody of their son.
Her advantage is that she knows he’s paid off judges and juries to win cases. She tries her hand at deceit, by faking her murder and setting him up as the prime suspect.
You won’t believe a bit of it. Turner is unconvincing - where does her character suddenly get her cunning and courage? Morales is distinctively one-dimensional as the sneering villain (another great role for a Hispanic actor, by the way). Joanna Cassidy co-stars as Terry’s career-driven mother, a legal expert who finally finds time to care about her daughter.
Don’t get caught in this circle of boredom.
Highlights
“Friends,” NBC at 8: Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) is demoted to “personal shopper” at the department store, but she’s not exactly crushed when she’s assigned to a recently divorced hunk (guest star Tate Donovan, who is Aniston’s real-life love interest). Also, Chandler (Matthew Perry) loses it when he sees his actress-girlfriend’s (Paget Brewster) on-stage love scene.
“Prey,” ABC at 8: Lynch’s (Roger Howarth) killing spree continues; and Sloan and Daniels (Debra Messing, Adam Storke) may have a clue to the geographical origin of the new species.
“Between Brothers,” FOX at 8: The boys head for their 10-year high school reunion, creating an excuse for flashback scenes.
“Just Shoot Me,” NBC at 8:30: In a very funny episode, Brian Dennehy guest stars as Finch’s (David Spade) estranged father, who arrives in town with the good intentions of telling his son he accepts that he’s gay. Except Finch isn’t.
“Mystery!” PBS at 8: In another first-run “Cadfael,” the monk-detective investigates the stabbing death of an abbey monk who carried a torch for a wealthy widow (Kitty Aldridge) with several powerful suitors. Dewoman who enters the picture and James Caan adds a compelling performance as Quaid’s father.
“The Pleasure of His Company” (1961), AMC at 7:30 p.m. and 1 a.m.: Sparkling Fred Astaire vehicle about a colorful ex-husband (Astaire) who shows up to make life interesting for his former wife and her new husband. Lilli Palmer, Debbie Reynolds and Gary Merrill co-star.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Jennifer Love Hewitt (“Party of Five”).
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: David Spade (“Just Shoot Me”) and comedian Jeff Garlin.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: Heavy D, performance artist Karen Finley and hatemonger Jim Goad.
“The Late Late Show With Tom Snyder,” CBS at 12:35 a.m.: Elle magazine editor Elaina Richardson.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor Michael Keaton and actress Angelina Jolie.