IN DEFENSE OF A MARRIED MAN

IN DEFENSE OF A MARRIED MAN 

IN DEFENSE OF A MARRIED MAN: B 

Lately I've been a kick to find and watch made for television films from the late 80's/early 90's and this little gem from 1990 did not disappoint. 

Ironically enough as did the last made for television film I watched, this one too starred Judith Light. And again, it was rewarding and satisfying to see her play in a role that differentiated from her role as Angela on WHO'S THE BOSS.

The story was a compelling one that worked as both a drama and as a mystery. While a twisting reveal was used, it was not centered upon, nor was it nonsensical like so many twists are today. It was nice to be reminded of a time when Twists were used to enhance the story, not be its main focus. It was nice to see a clever twist that didn't bend the rules of reality in order to get its shock.

The story lagged a little in development and slowed down a little too much, but otherwise kept a nice pace.

Light's performance was very strong as the lead, with decent supporting roles of Michael Ontkean and a young Johnny Galecki. Jerry Orbach gave the best performance next to Light's.

I would have made a few different choices as the director. I feel that some scenes would have worked better spliced in at different times to add for dramatic effect. The story seemed to call for reveal-set back-reveal-set back but the direction didn't quite give the same effect that the story meant for those set backs.

I hope to come across more of these made for television films. If you have any suggestions send them my way!