Brian Dennehy pulls triple duty as writer, director, and star of this TV movie based on Dennehy's familiar "Jack Reed" character. The city of Chicago is up in arms over a deadly drive-by shooting apparently committed by someone who despises all women. City hall sends out the dogged, thoroughly incorruptible Cook County deputy sheriff Jack Reed (Brian Dennehy) to hunt down the killer, whose sphere of hatred also encompasses children and cops. The trail of clues leads to a murder-for-hire scheme and a nasty case of corruption in the highest judicial circles -- and the fallout promises to spell trouble for Reed and everyone he cares about, especially when a cleverly constructed frame-up evolves. Dennehy's deft directorial touches include an almost ritualistic avoidance of overt violence, utilizing suspense and suggestion instead. Reportedly inspired by a true story, Jack Reed: A Killer Among Us initially aired January 7, 1996, on NBC.
by Hal Erickson
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