TV Reviews : Even Bryan Brown Can’t Save ‘Devlin’

At once virile and sensitive, Bryan Brown is always an exciting presence on the screen or the tube, but not even he can lift “Devlin” (at 9 tonight on Showtime) above the routine.

In the film’s best-drawn role, he’s a tough New York cop, a recovered alcoholic who finds himself framed for the murder of his brother-in-law, a mayoral candidate. He can only expect the worst from his father-in-law (Lloyd Bridges, who supplies welcome gusto), a ruthless tycoon who blames Brown for ruining the life of his daughter (Frances Fisher) from whom Brown has been estranged for seven years.

Adapted by David Taylor from Roderick Thorp’s novel and directed by Rick Rosenthal, “Devlin” is an overly familiar, increasingly improbable and bloody brew.