Television Reviews : ‘CBS Schoolbreak’s’ ‘Gambler’ Is Loser

In today’s “CBS Schoolbreak Special,” the issue isn’t teen drug or alcohol abuse, AIDS or pregnancy. This time, as the show’s title, “Gambler,” indicates, it’s compulsive gambling that’s got a grip on the hapless teen hero.

Airing at 3 p.m. on Channels 2 and 8, “Gambler” is about high school football star Jim (Nicholas Kallsen) who gets in over his head when his betting obsession makes his grades slide, jeopardizes a college sports scholarship and alienates his girlfriend.

Jim stoops to pawning possessions, stealing from Dad (George Dzundza) and lying, all the while thinking he’ll make it all up with his next big win.

The credibility of the issue is not in question, but in the hands of director Robert Singer, writer Barton Randall and a low-key cast, the message has minimal impact.

Kallsen’s numb performance never lets us beneath the surface. We see neither the anguish that drives him to compromise his successes, nor the charm of the golden boy he’s supposed to be to others. Consequently, it is as difficult to believe in Dzundza’s warm paternal pride as it is in Troy Winbush’s solid performance as Kallsen’s worried best friend.

In the wrap-up, when his parents discover his transgressions and angrily confront him, a suddenly articulate Kallsen disarms them with an instant expert self-analysis and reminds Dad of his own office pool bets. Then he joins a support group.

By that time, it’s difficult to care.