Gifted Cast Helps ‘Daddy’s Girl’ Hit Home

A talented ensemble brings affecting depth to “Daddy’s Girl,” today’s entertaining “ABC Afterschool Special” about 16-year-old Alicia and her young brother, whose father turns up 10 years after divorcing their mother.

The sense of disconnectedness they feel, their mother’s bitterness and their eventual reconciliation with Dad are set against festive preparations for a young aunt’s wedding, as writer Harriet Dickey and director Diane Wynter deftly deliver a message about a father’s importance in the lives of his children.

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Alicia (Elise Neal) listens to caustic comments by Mom (Brenda Pressley) about men (“99% of ‘em are dogs”), finds comfort in her wise grandmother (Barbara Montgomery) and enjoys Aunt Zed (Phyllis Yvonne Stickney) and her prenuptial excitement.

She also empathizes with her 10-year-old brother, Blake (Sharif Rashed), who’s growing more and more rudderless and heading for trouble.

If Dad (Bo Rucker) would only come back into their lives, everything would be perfect, she thinks, although her best friend (Lauryn Hill) is less optimistic. When Dad does show up, Alicia finds that the reunion leaves a lot to be desired, until both parents are able to acknowledge the needs of their children.

The cast brings vibrancy to the hourlong drama and Neal, a lovely young actress to watch for in the future, more than holds her own with the veterans, imbuing teenage Alicia with a convincing, tender maturity.

* “Daddy’s Girl” airs at 3 p.m. today on ABC (Channel 7).