Christopher Riccio Movies
- 1999
Linda Marsh (Mary McDonnell) may have been hoping for a surprise on her 16th wedding anniversary, but she certainly doesn't welcome the news that her school-principal husband George (William Russ) has been carrying on an affair with the teacher of the Marshes' daughter! The breakup of Linda and George's marriage is quite a shock for the small town in which they live--almost as shocking as Linda's subsequent actions as she grimly embarks on "a search for a new life." As part of that search, Linda has enlisted her kids in her campaign to land a "replacement" head of the household. Wavering erratically between broad comedy and sentimental slush, the made-for-TV Replacing Dad was based on a novel by Shelley Frasier Mickle, and first aired March 14, 1999 on CBS. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1997
Between Larry's (Garry Shandling) wining and dining of paramour Lori Loughlin, Hank's attempt to romance paralegal Michelle (Cecil Hoffman), and Phil's scheme to hold fake auditions in hopes of meeting an actress, it seems that nearly everyone involved with the show is feeling a bit lonely. Despite each desperate attempt at a little romance, however, strike one occurs when money turns up missing from Larry's wallet and the host hastily accuses Loughlin of theft. When Hank books Michelle's precocious son, Roger (Christopher Riccio), on the show in a desperate bid to impress, it's strike two when the plan backfires as the camera-shy boy freezes up on the air. When Phil is caught faking auditions by victim Jenette Robbins' manager, the jig is up, the inning is over, and any chance for romance is quickly dashed. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1997
Lillian (Tamara Tunie), the wife of Lt. Fancy (James McDaniel), has become a home entrepreneur, but some of the products she coerces her husband into selling may not exactly be beneficial -- as Medavoy (Gordon Clapp) learns the hard way. Jill (Andrea Thompson) is reunited with an old school friend, now a drug addict who has been robbing her parents. A transsexual who has sought protection from his/her abusive boyfriend ends up murdered. And Diane (Kim Delaney) has a frightening run-in with an old "friend" of Bobby Simone (Jimmy Smits). This episode was directed by Oscar-winning actress Kathy Bates. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
