Blurb Reviews for Aaron's List of Dreams

From Robert Bianco, USA Today:
ABC continues to self-destruct as we watch. First, the network tried to steal a late-night host from CBS. Now, it steals a prime-time reality idea from Fox — and a horrid idea at that, as the network revisits Fox's marry-a-millionaire catastrophe for The Bachelor (9 p.m. ET/PT). Why doesn't Disney sell ABC to Enron? They couldn't possibly do any worse.

But then, who knows? Perhaps The Bachelor is the ideal lead-in ABC has been seeking for Once and Again (10 p.m. ET/PT). Let's hope so, because tonight's episode features the return of Patrick Dempsey, one of many actors who should have an Emmy by now for their work on Once.

From Mike Duffy, Detroit Free Press:
Tough love. Patrick Dempsey returns in the role of Lily's (Sela Ward) mentally disturbed brother Aaron. Ally Sheedy guest-stars as the psychiatric patient Aaron has fallen in love with.

From David Bianculli, NY Daily News:
Tonight's best bet is a series that's on the endangered list, but shouldn't be: ABC's wonderful, complex and very mature Once and Again, starring Sela Ward and Billy Campbell.

How can a TV series so intelligent keep getting saddled with such stupid lead-ins? Tonight it follows the premiere of "The Bachelor"; not too long ago, it followed "The Chair." Wouldn't it be great if this series could find its way to HBO or Showtime, where it might get the respect it deserves?

TV Now Top Pick for Monday:
The "Aaron's List of Dreams" episode. When Lily's (Sela Ward) brother Aaron (Dempsey) expresses a desire to take part in an independent living program with a young woman who is also mentally disabled (Ally Sheedy), she finds it emotionally impossible to let him go. Their father (Robert Prosky) is totally against the move too. Lily's situation only gets worse when the happy couple come to visit, causing her to have the best and worst memories of her brother.

From Matthew Gilbert, Boston Globe Critic's Corner:
Patrick Dempsey returns to ''Once and Again'' as Lily and Judy's disturbed brother. He wants to live on his own with his girlfriend, a mentally disabled women played by guest star Ally Sheedy, at 10 on Ch. 5. Episodes featuring Dempsey have been among the series' strongest.

From Cheryl Everette, Gist.com:
Patrick Dempsey returns as Lily (Sela Ward) and Judy's (Marin Hinkle) mentally disturbed brother, Aaron. Aaron has been living in a group home and now has approval to get into an independent living situation. He also wants to have Miriam (Ally Sheedy), another mentally disturbed resident, move in with him. This plan meets resistance from the woman's father (Robert Prosky), a retired cop. Lily's not that sure about Aaron's ability to be independent, and the whole situation evokes memories of Aaron's healthier, happier childhood.

From Tim Cuprisin, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:
The bell's about to toll for this blended family drama, but that doesn't mean you won't see quality in the last few episodes. Patrick Dempsey returns tonight as Lilly's troubled brother, Aaron, who shows up with a girlfriend.

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