The difference between real life and TV life is vividly demonstrated in the ABC TV movie "Half a Dozen Babies" (8 p.m., Ch. 4).
It's a cute, entertaining couple of hours spent retelling the tale of Becky and Keith Dilley, who became the parents of sextuplets on May 25, 1993. The tale has become familiar, particularly on ABC, which has reported on the family in its news magazines.The Dilleys themselves have always come across as down-to-earth, real people in those news specials. They're attitudes are great -- they're an inspiration to parents everywhere.
But, let's face it, neither Keith nor Becky is exactly TV star material. They're not toned, gorgeous folks likely to step out of a limousine somewhere in Los Angeles.
The couple who portray them in "Half a Dozen Babies" are, however. Real-life marrieds Scott Reeves ("Young and the Restless") and Melissa Reeves ("Days of Our Lives") are indeed right off the TV screen.
Even Becky Dilley has said that it was "weird" to meet their onscreen counterparts because "the physical resemblance wasn't the same."
The Reeves do a fine job in the TV movie. And, certainly, they shouldn't be discriminated against simply because they happen to be physically attractive.
But this casting is interesting if for no other reason than what it says about what TV producers and network executives think is necessary to attract an audience.
"Babies" follows the story of the Dilleys from their first meeting through their marriage and the fertility problems they encountered. (And the problems with the mothers-in-law, played by Judith Ivey and Teri Garr.)
The pregnancy itself was extremely difficult. And, while they were expecting five babies, the Dilleys got an even bigger surprise when the doctors delivered a sixth.
It's halfway through the telefilm before the babies arrive, and the remainder of the movie follows the trials and joys of their first year of life. It's not great art, but it is sweet and entertaining.