SCI FI, MEDICINE INTERSECT IN HOSPITAL DRAMA IN SPACE.Byline: Keith Marder Daily News Television Critic Mercy Point Mercy Point was a science fiction series that ran from the fall of 1998 to the midsummer of 1999 on UPN. The series, set in the mid-23rd century, took place on a deep-space medical space station (the eponymous "Mercy Point") that catered to the medical needs of both humans is not your ordinary medical facility. Besides being set in the 23rd century, this outer-space hospital on the edge of the explored galaxy treats humans and aliens alike, which provides opportunity for some creative medical procedures. It's no ``ER,'' but, put it this way: ``Mercy Point'' is not nearly as bad as former UPN UPN User Principal Name (Microsoft Windows 2000) UPN United Paramount Network UPN Unión del Pueblo Navarro (Navarrese People Union) UPN Umgekehrte Polnische Notation bomb ``Homeboys in Outer Space Homeboys in Outer Space was a UPN sitcom that aired from 1996 to 1997. The plot centered around an odd couple-type pairing who flew around the universe in a winged car, piloted by a talking computer named Loquatia. .'' Combining the two diverse premises results in a sometimes entertaining, sometimes ridiculous drama that may remain in orbit for a while if it earns the proper street credibility with the science-fiction set. Dr. Grote Maxwell (Joe Morton) leads the team. He is not the highest-ranking doctor, but he is the glue that holds the group together. There is some personal drama within the show. Two half-sisters - Dr. Dru Breslauer (Alexandra Wilson) and Dr. Haylen Breslauer (Maria Del Mar Maria del Mar is the name of two Canadian entertainment personalities, who are sometimes confused with each other. Maria del Mar (rock singer) was the lead singer of goth rock band National Velvet in the late 1980s and early 1990s. ) are having a wicked case of sibling rivalry sibling rivalry Psychology The intense, emotional competition among siblings–brothers and/or sisters that pits one against the other to obtain parental affection, approval, attention, and love. See Cain complex. Cf Oy child, Sibling relational problem. . Dr. Caleb ``C.J.'' Jurado (Brian McNamara) is the resident hunk and former flame of Dru's. He is now involved with the hospital's military liaison. The rest of the eclectic bunch includes Dr. Batung, a stuffy and impatient alien visiting surgeon who is a ``Shenn.'' And, ANI (Julia Pennington), is the beautiful Android An open platform for cellphones from the Open Handset Alliance (OHA). Based on Linux, Android includes a library of Java classes for building mobile applications. Android and GPhone Nursing Interface who is a cyborg and has the bluest eyes in the galaxy. Dr. Rema Cook (Gay Thomas) is a well-respected psychosurgeon from Earth, and Dr. Harris DeMilla (Joe Spano) is the chief of staff. Despite the size of the cast, the show is easy to follow and the special effects are well done. The acting is fine, but the stories are a bit hokey hok·ey adj. hok·i·er, hok·i·est Slang 1. Mawkishly sentimental; corny. 2. Noticeably contrived; artificial. hok . For instance, in the first episode, a baby is saved in a big, glowing artifical womb and people are dropping dead from a computer virus. THE FACTS The show: ``Mercy Point.'' What: A futuristic medical drama set in a state-of-the-art medical center in space. The stars: Joe Morton, Maria Del Mar, Alexandra Wilson, Brian McNamara, Julia Pennington, Gay Thomas. Where: UPN (KCOP, Channel 13). When: 9 p.m. Tuesdays. Our rating: Two Stars. CAPTION(S): Photo Photo: Mercy Point |
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