Unforgivable

 ((Tues. (30), 9-11 p.m., CBS))

By TODD EVERETT

Filmed in Salt Lake City by Brayton/Carlucci Prods. in association with Grossbart/Barnett Prods. Executive producers, Joan Barnett, Jack Grossbart; co-executive producers, Anne Carlucci, Marian Brayton; co-producer, Linda L. Kent; director, Graeme Campbell; writer, A.R. Simoun, Dan Levine; story, Simoun.
 
Cast: John Ritter, Harley Jane Kozak, James McDaniel, Kevin Dunn, Susan Gibney, Gina Phillips, Mariangela Pino, Aaron Leigh, Elisabeth Lund, Steve Anderson, Doug Caputo, Michael Flynn, Carmen Fournier, Frank Gerrish, Curly Green, Dave Jensen, Mindy Lawson, Tiffany Michaels, Bill Osborn, Zane Parker, Dennis Redfield, Tom Proctor, Kent Richards, Nancy Riddle, Don Shanks, George Sullivan.
 

Bottoming-out and redemption of a wife-beater prompts strong performances by cast headed by John Ritter and Harley Jane Kozak. "Unforgivable" takes a serious subject -- one out of three marriages involves domestic violence, according to note (without attribution) at show's end -- and treats it with due respect.

Often harrowing screenplay by A.R. Simoun and Dan Levine finds car salesman Paul Hegstrom (Ritter) leaving his wife (Kozak) and three children after 17 years of spousal abuse, and then beating his girlfriend (Susan Gibney, in a memorable perf) to the point of near-death. Admitted to experimental QUIT therapy group (acronym is never explained), Hegstrom eventually learns to deal with his demons.

Story isn't that pat, with Paul backsliding and elder daughter (Gina Phillips) remaining resolutely suspicious about how much her father has recovered. Credibility of story ultimately hinges on viewers' ability to take Ritter seriously in a no-nonsense role; it's only a few minutes into the pic before it's clear that the Ropers aren't going to barge in on this situation.

Ritter and Kozak sizzle in their scenes together, and strong casting runs notably deep. Many of the most effective moments are portrayals of highly confrontational QUIT meetings, headed by psychologist Milton Stella (Kevin Dunn) and including group members portrayed by James McDaniel, Dave Jensen, George Sullivan, Frank Gerrish and Curly Green.

Hegstrom's younger children are played by Gibney and Aaron Leigh, both in above-average performances.

Real-life Hegstroms reconciled and today operate string of spousal abuse treatment centers.

Camera, Gordon Lonsdale; editor, Paul Martin Smith; production designer, Alfred Sole; sound, Les Udy; music, Roger Bellon; casting, Shana Landsburg.