NBC (Sun., Nov. 21, 9 p.m. ET)
B+
A couple is butchered, and the police investigation first focuses on the eldest of their three adopted children (Roseanne's Johnny Galecki), who has a history of violent behavior. Neil Patrick Harris (Doogie Howser, M.D.) plays the quiet, well-behaved son. Slowly, some very ugly facts about this devout, respectable family emerge. (There are parallels to the Menendez murder trial in California, but this film is based on events that took place near Annapolis, Md., a decade ago.)
For a fact-based film, this is unusually dramatic, thanks to a sinuous plot, Craig Baxley's sure-handed direction and good acting, especially a totally spooky, wigged-out performance by Linda Kelsey as the mother. Lisa Banes, John M. Jackson and Gregory Harrison costar.
Your Reaction
