eeq Review of The Woman Who Sinned

The Woman Who Sinned (1991 TV Movie)

Susan Lucci solves murder of friend--while she is prime suspect

[4/10 · 12 December 1999]

So good to see the beautiful Ms. Lucci stray from daytime fare and take another shot at evening TV. This is a somewhat obvious murder melodrama about Ms. Lucci being accused of her best friends's murder after having an illicit affair. One look at her friend (Lenore Kasdorf) and even the feeble-minded should have this plotline worked out. The performances ran the gamut: Highest marks go to Claudia Christian in a small but impressive role showing once again her obvious talent can shine through some weak scripting and direction. Christine Belford, as your local PI gave a solid journeyman (er, journeyperson?) performance despite the obvious denouement. Michael Dudikoff, as your garden variety psychopath, makes a valiant effort to break free of his karate movie typecast--he's positively creepy! Tim Matheson is only mediocre as the supportive yet imperfect husband. John Vernon does a good job as the thick-headed but honest cop(but I'd much rather see his gorgeous daughter Kate, who was wise enough to avoid appearing in this episode). As for Ms. Lucci's performance--- I'm very happy to hear that she finally won her DAYTIME Emmy she has sought so valiantly on her 17th try.