

Favorite Son
Favorite Son is a miniseries about political intrigue that aired on NBC in 1988 a week before that year's presidential election. It starred Harry Hamlin, Linda Kozlowski, James Whitmore, Robert Loggia, John Mahoney, Ronny Cox, and a pre-Seinfeld Jason Alexander. The miniseries was adapted from the 1987 novel of the same written by Steve Sohmer, who also wrote the teleplay.
Insights
Plot Summary
A successful businesswoman finds her life unraveling when she discovers her adopted son may have a dark and violent past. As secrets about his origins emerge, she must confront the terrifying possibility that he could be a danger to her family and herself. The film explores themes of nature versus nurture and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child, even when faced with disturbing truths.
Critical Reception
This made-for-television movie received mixed reviews, often cited for its tense atmosphere and strong performances from its lead actors, particularly Connie Sellecca. However, some critics found the plot predictable and overly melodramatic, failing to fully capitalize on its suspenseful premise.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its suspenseful build-up and Sellecca's compelling portrayal of a mother in crisis.
- Criticized for occasionally veering into predictable melodrama.
- The film effectively creates a sense of unease and psychological tension.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this made-for-TV film, but those available suggest viewers found it a gripping, albeit somewhat standard, thriller with a strong central performance.
Fun Fact
Despite being a made-for-television film, "Favorite Son" was marketed with a degree of intensity typically associated with theatrical releases, aiming to capture a broad audience with its thriller elements.
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