Robert O'Reilly Movies
During the previous week's "In Purgatory's Shadow," the Dominion invasion had begun, with the Jem'Hadar fleet pouring through the wide open wormhole. As this episode begins, the enemy suddenly changes its course and heads toward Cardassian space, prompting Gul Dukat (Marc Alaimo) to give chase, the better to forge a secret alliance with the Dominion, with himself as ruler of Cardassia. Meanwhile, Bashir, Worf and Garak struggle to escape from a Jem'Hadar prison. On still another front, Sisko and Klingon Chancellor Gowron bury the hatchet in order to take on the Dominion/Cardassian cartel together. Written by Ira Steven Behr and Robert Hewitt Wolf, "By Inferno's Light" was originally telecast February 17, 1997. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
In the year 2065, a group of desperate criminals, led by Carl Stack (Robert O'Reilly), escape from a penal colony in space and make their way to a waste landfill on the moon run by John Russell (Scott Plank). Wanting passage back to Earth, Stack and his cohorts take Russell hostage and wait for the arrival of a military inspection team, headed up by Lt. Caldecott (Billy Maddox) and Dana Morgan (Jocelyn Seagrave), Russell's former significant other. Stack's original plan is simply to use Russell's safety as a bargaining chip to get a ride back to Earth, but the criminals soon find out there's bigger game afoot at the waste dump than they imagined -- Caldecott has actually arrived on the moon to recover a hidden cache of valuable thermonuclear weapons. The supporting cast includes George "Buck" Flower and Samantha Phillips. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Scott Plank, Jocelyn Seagrave, (more)
Season Five of Deep Space Nine got under way with this episode, which orignally aired September 30, 1996. Acting upon Odo's suspicion that Klingon leader Gowron (Robert O'Reilly) is really a Changeling impersonator, Sisko is given the go-ahead by Starfleet Command to expose the phony (if indeed he is a phony). With the help of Dr. Bashir, Sisko, Odo, and O'Brien disguise themselves as Klingons, then, accompanied by Worf, infiltrate a Klingon ceremony in the Hall of Warriors, where Gowron is to be the guest of honor. As is often the case on this series, everything boils down to a personal matter of honor, or lack of same. "Apocalypse Rising" was written by Ira Steven Behr and Robert Hewitt Wolfe. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The fourth season of Deep Space Nine came to a close with this episode, which was originally broadcast June 17, 1996. Rushed to the infirmary after suffering a seizure in Garak's shop, Odo is diagnosed with a strange malady which prohibits him from maintaining his human form. Stumped by this hitherto unknown disorder, Bashir declares that the only hope for Odo's recovery rests on his home planet, deep within Dominion territory. While delivering Odo to his destination, the Defiant is intercepted by the Jem'Hadar, whereupon a female shapeshifter (Salome Jens) suddenly materializes, announcing that Odo is to be put on trial for murder. "Broken Link" was written by Robert Hewitt Wolfe and Robert Steven Behr from a story by George A. Brozak. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Aside from the fact of his disability and the possession of a nickname, what does Tony "Ole" Olezniak (Vincent D'Onofrio), a bitter, blinded, football player have in common with wheelchair-bound Bernard "Bern" Lemley (Gregory Hines)? Absolutely nothing until Bern enthusiastically convinces Ole to join him in a whitewater rafting adventure as part of the first step in Bern's plan to offer this and other extreme sporting adventures to other disabled people. During their arduous journey, the disparate duo learn more about themselves and each other, and in so doing, become real friends. This film features appearances by sports-greats Joe Theismann and Roy Firestone as themselves. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Vincent D'Onofrio, Gregory Hines, (more)
Deep Space Nine inaugurated its fourth season with this two hour nail-biter. The story begins as a group of visiting Klingon warriors swarm through DS9, harrassing the passengers and obstructing the crew. Sisko hits upon an idea to solve the dilemma: Assign former Next Generation regular Lt. Worf (Michael Dorn), a Klingon himself, to quell the disturbances. But though he has proven his loyalty to the Federation again and again, Worf is troubled by the notion of turning against his own people. Written by Ira Steven Behr and Robert Hewitt Wolfe, "The Way of a Warrior" was telecast on October 2, 1995. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
In Texas, a member of a truck-hijacking ring turns up murdered. The evidence points to Rob Platt (Patrick Cassidy), the son of Wayne Platt (Earl Holliman), owner of a small trucking firm that was being victimized by the crooks. Inasmuch as Wayne is an old friend of Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury), one can safely assume that the truth will soon be revealed and the actual murderer put in irons. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Quark's troubles begin when an inebriated Klingon accidentally dies in his bar. Hoping to improve his business and earn a little respect, Quark claims that he killed the man in combat. Unfortunately, Klingon law demands that Quark marry Grilka (Mary Kay Adams), the dead man's widow, a situation that catalpults Quark into a duel to the death to defend Grilka's honor and property. First telecast October 15, 1994, "House of Quark" was scripted by Ronald D. Moore, from a story by Tom Benko. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Hyperactive mayhem results when a mild-manned banker discovers an ancient mask that transforms him into a zany prankster with superhuman powers in this special-effects-intensive comedy. The wildly improvisational Jim Carrey plays Stanley Ipkiss, a decent-hearted but socially awkward guy who one night finds a strange mask. Carrey's trademark energy reveals itself after Stanley puts on the mask and the banker transforms into The Mask, a green-skinned, zoot-suited fireball. The rubber-faced Mask possesses the courage to do the wild, fun things that Stanley fears, including romancing Tina Carlyle (Cameron Diaz). In addition to Carrey's physical talents, the film makes effective use of digital visual effects that bestow the Mask with superhuman speed, insane flexibility, and popping eyes out of a Tex Avery cartoon. The larger narrative, involving the efforts of Tina's gangster boyfriend to destroy Stanley and use the mask's powers for evil, prove less interesting than the anarchic comic set pieces, including a particularly memorable dance number to "Cuban Pete." The film delivered enough laughs to become a surprise hit and, along with the same year's Dumb and Dumber, establish Carrey's status as a comedy superstar. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz, (more)
Guest star Kevin Conway is cast as Kahless, a legendary, godlike Klingon warrior who has apparently returned from the dead. Making up for lost time, Kahless declares his intention of defying the Federation and restoring the Klingon empire. Caught in the middle is Lt. Worf, who must now choose between his faith in Kahless and loyalty to his Enterprise colleagues. Scripted by Ronald D. Moore from a story by James E. Brooks, "Rightful Heir" was first telecast May 22, 1993. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Christmas may be a little late for Lt. Fancy (James McDaniel), who faces the wrath of Borough Commander Haverill (James Handy) -- until Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) unexpectedly come to the rescue. Elsewhere, the Yuletide season is rudely interrupted by the kidnapping of a wealthy young girl, and by Janice's (Amy Brenneman) ever-deepening involvement with the Mob. Things aren't quite so bleak for Martinez (Nicholas Turturro), who receives a very special gift. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Joe Nighthawk used to serve in the San Francisco Police Department but got burned out by having to use lethal force one time too many. Now, the part-Indian lawman is working with the police in Arizona hunting small-time hoods and drug lords. That is, until he encounters two gentle people who have run afoul of a ruthless cocaine baron. When he tries to protect them from the mobster, he's rather badly beaten up, since he gave up practicing the martial arts years ago. Now he is in training to do some serious head bashing, and is reconsidering whether or not he's prepared to kill the bad guys again in the line of duty. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Haymes Newton, Judie Aronson, (more)
A kickboxing cop abandons the violent life after he accidentally kills his opponent during a match. After quitting, he heads for the Arizona desert to live alone and occasionally work tracking drug runners for the area sheriff. One particularly wily Mexican drug lord, Santos, has been a real thorn in tracker Joe Highhawk's side, so when he encounters the beautiful Claudia and her simpleton brother Anthony running for their lives because she, an accountant, embezzled $20 million from Santos, he decides to help them. This actioner follows what happens next. Along the way, they encounter all sorts of danger, and double cross until the exciting final standoff between the kickboxer and the villain. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
Russell's avowed purpose with Whore was to avoid the glamorous depiction of prostitution common to such slick Hollywood products as Pretty Woman. As played by Theresa Russell (no relation to Ken), the eponymous character lives a hellish existence. Relating her story directly to the camera, Russell introduces us to her no-good former husband (Jason Saucier), her brutish pimp (Benjamin Mouton), and the kinkiest of her "johns." Her one true friend, a bag man named Rasta (Antonio Fargas), also saves her life -- but not her soul. The film exists in three versions: an 82-minute R cut, an 82-minute NC-17 cut, and the 92-minute European version, which sometimes carries a rating, sometimes merely a disclaimer. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Theresa Russell, Benjamin Mouton, (more)
Originally broadcast June 22, 1991, this was not only Next Generation's 100th episode, but also the second of the series' season-ending cliffhangers. The crisis at hand is a power struggle within the higher circles of the Klingon empire, the outcome of which may allow Lt. Worf to restore his family's tattered honor. As civil war threatens to break out among the Klingons, Worf's own loyalties are torn between his people and the crew of the Enterprise. A former Next Generation regular makes a surprise appearance in this episode, which was written by Ronald D. Moore. Part one of "Redemption" ends on a freeze-frame and the superimposed title "To Be Continued," which back in 1991 meant that loyal fans would have to wait until September for the outcome. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Star Trek: The Next Generation inaugurated its fifth season with the conclusion of the fourth-season cliffhanger. The situation remains the same as in part one, with the Klingon Empire on the brink of a civil war. The source of the unrest is the Duras family, who Captain Picard suspects is in cahoots with the dreaded Romulans. Risking an apocalyptic war and sorely testing his friendship with his former Klingon officer Worf, Picard orders a Federation blockade on the Klingon/Romulan border. The former Next Generation regular who appeared in part one is again on hand, this time with full screen credit. Written by Ronald D. Moore, part two of "Redemption" first aired September 28, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Having previously met the brother he never knew he had in the second-season episode "Sins of the Father," Lt. Worf is further astonished to discover that he has a son named Alexander (Jon Steuer). This is brought to his attention by the boy's mother K'Ehleyr (Suzie Plakson), who Worf feels has betrayed him, thus he refuses to even see her. Worf's hostile attitude endangers Picard's diplomatic mission with the leader of the Klingon Empire (Charles Cooper), who in turn is being slowly poisoned by a mysterious assailant. Directed by Jonathan Frakes and written by Thomas Perry, Jo Perry, Ronald D. Moore, and Brannon Braga, "Reunion" was originally telecast November 10, 1990. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Badlands Justice is another in a series of Desperado feature films made exclusively for television. Alex McArthur returns as cowboy Duell McCall, who wanders the wide frontier in search of the one man who will clear him of a murder charge (What price Fugitive?) Once more, McCall finds himself in a corruption-ridden mining town. Since no one knows his true identity, he is able to establish a modicum of law and order, despite the concerted efforts of greedy land baron John Rhys-Davies. It is only a matter of time, however, before McCall will be forced to move on to other adventures. Well photographed and consummately acted, Badlands Justice premiered December 17, 1989. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Once again, the Cheers gang is swept up in a rivalry with the folks at their chief competition, Gary's Old Towne Tap. On this occasion, the two establishments are vying to create "Boston's Best Bloody Mary." Will Woody (Woody Harrelson), the only Cheers man ever able to best the redoubtable Gary (Joel Polis), save the day again -- or will things get hilariously out of control as usual? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Soviet radicals upset with the thawing of the Cold War explode a nuclear weapon in Russia, setting off a series of events that may very well trigger World War III. The president (Martin Landau) has been isolated after a helicopter accident and must outwit government and military officials who are attempting to go forward with the war. The film centers on the relationship between a pair of American pilots who have been ordered to bomb the U.S.S.R. and the attempts by some factions to bring them home before global Armageddon. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
After several weeks of reruns, Next Generation offered a first-run episode on July 1, 1989. In Manhunt, the Enterprise is assigned to transport a group of delegates to an important Federation conference. One of the delegates is Troi's mother Lwaxana, played by former Star Trek regular Majel Barrett. Ostensibly on a diplomatic mission, Lwaxana is actually in search of a new husband, and she decides that Captain Picard fits the bill. "Manhunt" was written by Terry Devereaux. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Jessica (Angela Lansbury) heads to wine-growing country to help wealthy vintner Salvatori Gambini (Eli Wallach) celebrate his 75th birthday. Unfortunately, Gambini's fractious family isn't in a celebratory mood, and the festivities come to a grim climax when a corpse is found in the wine cellar. In her efforts to solve the mystery, Jessica is heartbroken over the likelihood that she might have to turn an old and cherished friend over to the authorities. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide















