Just in case the title didn't spill the beans, this made-for-TV nail-biter was based on a novel by
Steve Martini. In the midst of a bitter child-custody battle with her former husband, Jack (
Richard Masur), Laurel Vega (
Patricia Richardson) is accused of murdering Jack's new, pregnant wife, Melanie (
Allison Mackie). Although he knows Laurel is innocent, Jack lies to the police, using his clout as a senator to rid himself of Laurel once and for all. She, in turn, could clear herself in a minute by revealing the name of the real murderer -- but she can't without ruining the life of her 16-year-old son, Danny (
Eric Michael Cole). Caught in the middle of this intrigue is Paul Madriani (
Brian Dennehy), Laurel's defense attorney -- and, incidentally, her brother-in-law. With more twists and turns than a mountain trail, the two-part, four-hour
Steve Martini's Undue Influence pleased the crowd when it first aired over CBS on September 15, and 17, 1996. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide