TV REVIEW : ‘Big Boys’ Examines Pain of Sexual Abuse

A high school student confronts his own sexual abuse in “Big Boys Don’t Cry,” today’s earnest “CBS Schoolbreak Special” (3 p.m., Channels 2 and 8).

Jason Wiles is Tony, a star athlete who develops a sudden aversion to good old Uncle Paul (Robert Pine), the best buddy a kid could have. Seeing his little brother Andy with Uncle Paul prompts flashes of memory that send Tony reeling emotionally, unable at first to put it all together.

When the memories coalesce, Tony tries to protect Andy. He keeps Andy with him as much as possible, then confronts Uncle Paul about his own abuse. Uncle Paul counters with a perpetrator’s usual arguments: that Tony was really to blame, that he’ll destroy the family if he tells, that no one will believe him, anyway.

Written by Betty Birney and directed by Jim Becket, the show is pretty much a by-the-numbers case history, with surface readings from the cast; having to wrap it all up in an hour hasn’t left much room for subtlety. Uncle Paul is smarmy, Dad is unsympathetic and Tony’s friends are confused and concerned.

Certainly, the program’s public-service value is worthy. Viewers can see how an abuser who is also a family member can manipulate a child and the rest of the family and make telling seem unthinkable. And, how busy parents often don’t give close enough scrutiny to the people who spend time with their children. It also shows how liberating telling can be.

Wiles’ mature performance gives the hour what depth it has, believably expressing vulnerability, anger and pain. When he finally proves that big boys do cry, he makes the moment far more moving than the predictable scene would otherwise merit.