This is one of two TV movies released after the Diagnosis Murder TV series ended, a movie where Dr. Mark Sloan (Dick Van Dyke), along with his son Steve (Barry Van Dyke), visit a small town in the desert to search for his missing daughter, Stacy.
This movie started off exciting at first, with the mystery of the whereabouts of Dr. Sloan's daughter being pretty captivating, but it all came crashing down to a pitiful and non-compelling climax. The slow acting didn't help either.
This film deals with hatred and racism in which, of course, had to blend in some political-correctness into it. However, I didn't think that element was executed well. In addition, the lack of payback and revenge imposed upon the villains in the movie didn't give a sense of satisfaction; for all the hurt bad guys impose on the good guys, you would want to see some hardcore payback inflicted upon the criminals.
If you want to watch a Diagnosis Murder story, stick with the series instead. It's not a particular spectacular TV show in the likes of Murder, She Wrote or Matlock, but you will at least find some decent and more enjoyable episodes than this TV movie.
Grade D+
This movie started off exciting at first, with the mystery of the whereabouts of Dr. Sloan's daughter being pretty captivating, but it all came crashing down to a pitiful and non-compelling climax. The slow acting didn't help either.
This film deals with hatred and racism in which, of course, had to blend in some political-correctness into it. However, I didn't think that element was executed well. In addition, the lack of payback and revenge imposed upon the villains in the movie didn't give a sense of satisfaction; for all the hurt bad guys impose on the good guys, you would want to see some hardcore payback inflicted upon the criminals.
If you want to watch a Diagnosis Murder story, stick with the series instead. It's not a particular spectacular TV show in the likes of Murder, She Wrote or Matlock, but you will at least find some decent and more enjoyable episodes than this TV movie.
Grade D+