Holly Hunter in "Saving Grace"
courtesy of TNT
"Saving Grace" (TNT)

Good Golly, Miss Holly has done it again. Since her film career has stalled of late, Academy Award winning actress Holly Hunter has shopped around and found a dynamite TV series in which to star. This month "Saving Grace" premieres with Holly Hunter as the star, and a lot of controversy sure to follow.

The premiere episode kicks off with a naked Grace Hanadarko (Hunter) in bed with her police partner Ham Dewey (Kenneth Johnson). Later she chain-smokes and drinks herself silly. This results in her striking a pedestrian with her car and killing him. Then is when an angel named Earl (Leon Rippy) appears to her and says he is there to help her straighten herself out. The only problem is Grace doesn't want to straighten herself out. She likes her wicked ways.

Grace also likes being a police detective. She is good at her job and likes being the one to get the bad guys. In addition to Ham, she also works with Rhetta Rodriguez (Laura San Giacomo). Rhetta is a lab specialist and the one person Grace tells about Earl. 

The spiritual quest that Grace sets out on, added to the duties of her job make for entertaining storytelling. You have never seen a lead character like Grace, and that is probably why Hunter took the role. Plus TNT has never allowed so much profanity, sexual situations and nudity in one of their series. This one makes "Nip/Tuck" look bashful.

Hunter is a real dynamo as Grace. She doesn't look too good but that has never been a problem with Hunter. She would rather look real than look good. And in this show she is real from head to toe. Plus that feisty, quirky spirit that has made her unique in Hollywood is still intact.

All of the supporting players are excellent too. Rippy is the most cantankerous angel you have ever seen. His and Grace's sparring over salvation is a highlight of the show. Giacomo is also very good as the amazed and supporting friend.

"Saving Grace" might be a little too adult for some tastes, but for those willing to accept the realism of the show there is a lot of engrossing entertainment on tap. Holly Hunter jumps into her role of Grace Hanadarko with both fists flailing. She captures the bad guys and also captures the audience. 

Tune into the premiere of "Saving Grace" on July 23 at 10PM on TNT.
 

 

 

 

 

©2007 Jackie K. Cooper

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