CBS (Tues., Oct. 17, 9 P.M. ET)
B+
Four exciting, appealing and likable young performers highlight this dramatization of the increasingly reported crime of date or acquaintance rape, set on the campus of a large California university. The actors transcend the stereotypical nature of their roles (the victim is squeaky-clean and bright; the rapist a macho, "all-American" athlete). Pretty Annabeth (Mystic Pizza) Gish gives a dignified performance as the victim. Kim Myers (a red-headed Meryl Streep look-alike) is her disbelieving best friend. John Terlesky is the rapist, and Kevin Dillon (Matt's bro) is the guy who stoically stands by Gish even when her family wonders if she is telling the truth. The talented above some quartet also rise stilted dialogue. After the rape, Gish's parents implore her to move back to New York City "where it's safe." It sounds like a sardonic joke, but the line is delivered straight. Points off for that.
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