Their Second Chance (1997 TV Movie) User Reviews

Adopted Child finds her birth-parents, and wants them to marry

[dennisg-6 · 6/10 · 29 January 2010]

This is the story of an adopted girl (now a political campaign manager), who seeks out her mother (Lindsay Wagner) at a time when she is seriously considering marriage. Her mother was also wondering about her (as her 2 children are grown up, and her husband had died). They meet. Her half-siblings are shocked to find out about their mom's "past." Then the girl wants to meet her father (an old boyfriend). Lindsay tracks him down, to find out that he is single.

One thing leads to another (as their love-child pushes them at each other). They rekindle their love ... but, soon enough, break up again. It's a good movie for adopted children to watch, as it shows how old flames can burn again, but not necessarily forever.

Good story for folks who believe in second chance romances!

[Calliegrl03 · 7/10 · 5 June 2019]

Wagner and King had really good chemistry. Their characters are really endearing and you are rooting for them throughout the film. Both are good actors and really do well in the world of TV. Both actors look really good for their ages too. The script is a bit weak (i.e. Wagner is a little too pessimistic but she's a very good actress, so its not that noticeable) and the sibling rivalry parts are annoying. For example, Wagner's son has beef with his older adopted sister and Wagner's older sister was too skeptical of King's character. His character was too "likable" despite his actions so it's hard to believe the sister's distrust of him. It would have been better if the tension solely focused on Wagner and King (i.e. Wagner resisting King throughout most of the movie, or making King's character a little more flawed) and all the other characters were for them, despite the history because they see that they are meant for each other. Overall, the acting from the cast is good. It's a sweet film to watch on a rainy day.

6.5 out of 10 stars.

A gentle sensitive story

[soapergirl · 5/10 · 14 February 2019]

I always have a reluctance at watching adoption stories. I've only seen about half this morning (the rest is pending). But so far, I've liked it. I had adoption rammed down my throat in 1965 (during the baby scoop era when babies were being ripped left and right from their young parents), when my daughter was born. The abuse from social and case workers was horrendous. I was told that I was unfit and worthless, did not deserve to live - all because I'd had a baby! I came very close to slitting my wrists wit a razor blade. I wouldn't recommend adoption to my worst enemy, that's how bad my experience was! But the way they are telling this is sensitive and kind. it's worth a viewing.

based on a true story!

[posh_mcgraw · 14 May 2003]

that's right. i think i saw something similar to this on dateline. anyway, this is my mother's favorite made-for-tv movie, she taped it off of lifetime. it's a big tearjerker, but probably moreso for people who were actually in college more than 20 years ago.

i must admit that that perry king is one smooth operator. and that lindsay wagner has honed her role as tv movie queen. i'd give it maybe 7 stars.

Their second chance

[grandma-79292 · 10/10 · 6 June 2021]

Love this movie. Lindsay and Perry were great in this.

One of my favorites

[angeladavis49 · 10/10 · 16 January 2022]

I loved this movie! The actors seemed so real they were very believable. The scene where the mother tells her daughter about the day she gave her up had me in tears and I don't cry easily. Lindsey Wagner and Perry King were excellent their chemistry is some of the best I've seen in any movie! It says based on a true story and I hope it is. The son was kind of annoying but his reaction was really honest. Perry King at 49 looked terrific as usual. No matter what his age. I was a little confused though when they'd sometimes say it had been 28 years and then sometimes 30 years. Anyway I'd recommend this wonderful movie to anyone whose a romantic. It made me feel so good.