‘Forgotten Sins’ Leaves Nagging Questions
“Forgotten Sins,” ABC at 9, is the most enigmatic television movie I’ve ever watched. It is a mystery that’s never resolved, but it treats its controversial subject matter in such a way that you’ll be left thinking about it for a long time.
Based on a true story, this 1996 dramatization stars John Shea as Matthew Bradshaw, a deputy sheriff and churchgoer accused of sexual abuse by his teen daughters (Lisa Dean Ryan, T.C. Warner).
The lurid story begins with one daughter alleging she was abused. But through “recovered” memory, she and her sister later recall being raped by her father’s card-player friends as both their parents watched. In time, their charges expand to horrific accounts of satanic ritual abuse and human sacrifice involving dozens of people.
The story takes a bizarre turn when Bradshaw, after pressure by a psychologist and his fundamentalist minister, confesses to the crimes based on his own “recovered” memories. William Devane plays a sociologist convinced the two girls’ recollections as well as their father’s are false.
Highlights
“Living Single,” FOX at 8: In a black-and-white fantasy-flashback episode the cast is transported to the Harlem Renaissance of the roaring ‘20s. The point of departure is Kyle’s (T.C. Carson) passion for saving a famous theater.
Queen Latifah sings “Tain’t Nobody’s Bizness If I Do.” Carson performs “Honeysuckle Rose.”
“The Single Guy,” NBC at 8:30: When his new book is published, Jonathan (Jonathan Silverman) is slapped with a nasty review in the Village Voice. When he meets the critic (Jenson Daggett), he has little luck changing her mind.
“Before They Were Stars,” ABC at 8:30: Among the vintage clips are an early comedy appearance by Arsenio Hall and Candice Bergen as a child actress. Garth Brooks, Naomi Judd and Loni Anderson also are featured.
“Martin,” FOX at 8:30: Lost together on a camping trip, bickering Martin (Martin Lawrence) and Pam (Tichina Arnold) rely on each other to survive.
“Seinfeld,” NBC at 9: Jerry’s attempt to join the Friars Club hits a snag. Elaine suspects that a new fellow employee (Rob Schneider) is faking his hearing disability. George and Susan fix up Jerry with a newly single friend (Samantha Smith).
“New York Undercover,” FOX at 9: J.C. and Eddie (Malik Yoba, Michael DeLorenzo) find themselves protecting drug dealers who are witnesses in a police corruption case. Who’s out to kill them? Two of the detectives’ fellow cops. The Barrio Boyz are the musical guests featured in this tense drama.