Kim Friedman Movies
- 2001
Gordo (Adam Lamberg) breaks a movie date with Lizzie (Hilary Duff) and Miranda (Lalaine), but neglects to inform them that he is going out with attractive Brooke Baker (Kyla Pratt). When the girls find out, they can't understand why Gordo is lying about his "relationship" with Brooke. To get to the truth of the matter, Lizzie disguises herself as a boy and starts trailing Gordo everywhere -- and nearly breaks up a beautiful friendship in the process. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1997
DS9 picks up a sub-space message indicating that camouflaged Maquis missiles are poised to obliterate Cardassia. Hoping to avert wholesale destruction, Sisko releases imprisoned Maquis leader Eddington (Kenneth Marshall). In exchange, Eddington leads Sisko to a secret location where the missiles can be deactivated, but not before calmly inform Sisko that he intends to kill him once they've reached their destination. Scripted by Robert Hewitt Wolfe and Ira Steven Behr, "Blaze of Glory" originally aired May 12, 1997. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1996
While exploring a hitherto uncharted world in the Gamma Quadrant, Sisko and an away team consisting of Worf, O'Brien, and Muniz (F.J.Rio) witness the crash-landing of a Jem'Hadar warship. Boarding the crippled vessel in search of survivors, Sisko and his crew are trapped inside. With a Jem'Hadar relief squad rapidly approaching, Sisko's only hope for rescue apparently lies in the hands of Kilana (Kaitlin Hopkins), a member of the hostile and mistrustful Vorta race. First telecast October 7, 1996, "The Ship" was scripted by Hans Beimler from a story by Pam Wigginton and Rick Cason. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1996
While accompanying Dr. Bashir on a mercy mission to a battle-scarred Federation colony, Jake Sisko (Cirroc Lofton) experiences the horror of war on an up-close and personal level for the first time in his life. As the dedicated Bashir tends to the wounded and dying, Jake, nervous over an impending Klingon attack, panics and runs off, which serves to put him even further in harm's way. Cowardice ultimately gives way to unexpected reserves of courage, when Jake is himself besieged by marauding Klingons. Scripted by Rene Echevarria from a story by Brice R. Parker, ". . .Nor the Battle to the Strong" was first telecast October 21, 1996. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1996
Having finally figured out the Shadows' strategy, Sheridan launches a pre-emptive strike against the enemy forces. Dr. Franklin has an epiphany and tries to do a good deed -- nearly losing his life in the process. And Delenn gains a valuable ally on behalf of the Rangers. Melissa Gilbert makes a significant guest appearance. Written by J. Michael Straczynski, "Shadow Dancing" first aired in America during the week of October 21, 1996, some six weeks after its British TV bow on September 15. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1995
Petty in-fighting strains morale aboard the Starship Enterprise at a most dangerous time in this episode from the sci-fi series Star Trek: Voyager. Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) is forced to ease flaring tempers between Starfleet and Maquis crew members after fisticuffs break out aboard the Enterprise, but soon she must bring both sides together to face a crisis. The Enterprise has found itself caught within a collapsing star, and if the crew cannot find a way out, it spells certain death for everyone on board. Star Trek: Voyager -- Parallax originally aired on January 23, 1995. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Bashir's Cardassian friend Garak (Andrew Robinson) is slowly and painfully dying from an apparent brain tumor. It is soon revealed that the source of Garak's agony is actually a brain implant, the handiwork of the Cardassian intelligence agency Enabran Tran. Bashir's efforts to save his friend are stymied by Garak himself, who has become addicted to the implant and becomes violent whenever anyone approaches him. Written by Robert Hewitt Wolfe, "The Wire" originally aired May 7, 1994. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Deep Space Nine kicked off its third season on October 1, 1994, with the first installment of this two-parter. The episode was a carryover from the second-season closer "The Jem'hadar," with Sisko and his officers boarding the Defiant and venturing into the Gamma Quadrant in search of the Founders, the mysterious leaders of the Dominion. Unfortunately, they once again come face to face with the Dominion's ruthless disciples, the Jem'hadar. The only salvation for the Defiant rests in the hands of Odo, who has inexplicably deserted his comrades and set course for the Omarion Nebula. Part one of "The Search" was scripted by Ronald D. Moore from a story by Ira Steven Behr and Robert Hewitt Wolfe. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Deep Space Nine finished its second season with this episode, which was broadcast on June 11, 1994. While visiting the Gamma Quadrant with Jake and Nog, Sisko and Quark are taken prisoner. Their captors are members of the Jem'hadar, who in turn are disciples of a mysterious power known as the Dominion, a society with zero tolerance for "invaders" from the other side of the wormhole. Though not precisely a cliffhanger, the episode ends with a foretaste of further dangers awaiting DS9. "The Jem'hadar" was written by Ira Steven Behr. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1988
Though Maggie's play about Adam and Eve is an exercise in dullness, Denise (Lisa Bonet) and Whitley (Jasmine Guy) agree to appear in the show--and promptly find themselves competing for the attentions of handsome "Adam" Rick Evans (Kenny Ransom). But upon learning that Rick is already spoken for, the girls vent their anger during the opening-night performance, resulting in a "Genesis" that very nearly turns into an "Exodus". And backstage, Dwayne (Kadeem Hardison) and Ron (Darryl M. Bell) do their best to simulate a convincing Garden of Eden with only 35 dollars between them. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1987
Facing the possibility of flunking out of calculus, Denise (Lisa Bonet) agrees to be tutored by Dwayne (Kadeem Harrison). Though one might expect that Dwayne would use this opportunity to "make the moves" on Denise, he takes his responsibility seriously. Even so, Dwayne finds himself in an embarrassing situation when he is locked inside the all-female dorm after curfew and is forced to make his getaway through Whitley's room--and horror of horrors, he's caught in the act by gimlet-eyed dorm director Stevie Rallen (Loretta Devine), who threatens to tell the Dean that Dwayne and Whitley (Jasmine Guy) have been up to no good. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1986
Blood Ties began life as a 4-hour Italian TV movie. The American version, which premiered December 14, 1986 on the Showtime Cable network, runs 125 minutes, and "runs" is the right word. Brad Davis plays an American naval engineer with familial ties to Sicily. Before he can offer a protest, Davis is sucked into the murderous machinations of the mafia. He is expected to win the confidence of his crimefighting Sicilian cousin Tony Lo Bianco-and then murder him. If Davis fails, his own father's life is forfeit. Don't expect any last-minute rescues or easy outs in this one. Featured in the cast are Maria Conchita Alonso and Ricky Tognazzi, son of Ugo. Blood Ties was honored with the "best television production" Grand Prize at the Venice Film Festival. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Brad Davis, Tony Lo Bianco, (more)
- 1979
The "before" version of Patty Duke is obese and slovenly. Emerging from a "fat farm," the "after" version of Patty Duke discovers that her husband (Bradford Dillman) has been playing the field while she's been trying to shed her excess poundage. Duke then takes up with a handsome artist (Art Hindle), who gives her new incentive to lose weight, even though he's made it clear that her physical appearance isn't all that important to him. His jealousy aroused, Duke's hubby tries to win her back, but she soon learns that he hasn't really changed a bit. The made-for-TV Before and After was initially broadcast October 5, 1979. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patty Duke, Bradford Dillman, (more)
- 1978
Vain Flo (Beth Howland) refuses to wear eyeglasses, concerned that everyone will call her Old Four Eyes. But after a few days of bumbling and stumbling blindly around the diner, she must bow to the inevitable. Outfitted with contact lenses, Flo sees the world in a whole new light--but this may not be a step in the right direction. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1978
Richard Libertini, best known as the daffy dictator ("Talk to the hand!") in the 1977 film The In-Laws, appears in this episode as an oil-rich Arab named Ben. Sweeping into Mel's Diner, Ben entrances Flo (Polly Holliday) and asks her to be his wife. What he fails to mention is that he merely wants to add Flo to his harem--which is already occupied by three other brides! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1977
Worthy (and wordy!) adversaries Mel (Vic Tayback) and Flo (Polly Holliday) exchange the usual insults en route to an out-of-town football game. But by the time the couple has returned to the diner, they're all lovey-dovey. Ultimately, however, the romance fizzles, leaving Alice (Linda Lavin) to cope with a couple of very hostile ex-sweeties. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1977
Alice sees an episode of 60 Minutes about a famous mobster who dropped out of sight three decades ago. Shortly thereafter, an oldster named Gino (Michael V. Gazzo) makes another of his regular drop-ins at the diner. Taking a closer look at the elderly Gino than she ever has before, Alice is convinced that the old man and the missing mobster are one and the same. This episode was originally slated to air on October 30, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1977
Alice (Linda Lavin) manages to land an extra job as a nightclub singer. Unfortunately, our heroine's foray into moonlighting takes its toll on her day job at Mel's Diner. Before long, the other staffers must cover for Alice, who can barely stay awake long enough to walk across the floor. Legendary "joke machine" and Dick Van Dyke Show regular Morey Amsterdam appears as Herman in this episode, in which star Linda Lavin sings "But Not For Me". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1977
It's Saturday night and they ain't got nobody--"they" being Alice (Linda Lavin), Flo (Polly Holliday) and Vera (Beth Howland). In desperation, the ladies decides to try out a new singles bar in the neighborhood. It's a most eventful evening, climaxing as all three girls fall for the same guy. Victoria Carroll), later to join the cast as Mel's girlfriend Marie, appears in an unbilled bit. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1977
Alice moved from Saturdays to its soon-to-be-traditional Sunday Night timeslot for this first episode of the series' second season. Still working at Mel's Diner on a "temporary"basis, Alice (Linda Lavin) finds her shift enlivened one evening by the arrival of a notorious flasher. Simultaneously, Alice's much-married coworker Flo (Polly Holliday) is visited by her third ex-husband (Rod McCary), who arrives with the none-too-welcome news that their divorce was never finalized. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
