This bleak but affecting true-life TV drama features Kirstie Alley (Cheers) as a seemingly good-natured mother who leads a double life as a manipulative, abusive criminal. Kathleen Wilhoite is especially effective as Alley's foster daughter who desperately tries to escape her clutches, while Will Patton is the assistant Attorney General who tries to bring Alley to justice. With fine performances all round, it's a step above the usual made-for-TV dramas.

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