Even With Roles Reversed, Formula Wins in the End

Contrary to what you might think, tonight’s Lifetime domestic drama, “Custody of the Heart,� is not about organ donors. That’s merely the terrible title for an otherwise decent drama delving into the split of a troubled couple.

Somewhat of a cross between “Ordinary People� and “Mr. Mom,� the film stars Lorraine Bracco as Claire, an attentive mother and thriving entrepreneur who has become the breadwinner for a family of four.

Overwhelmed by frequent business trips and the declining health of her mother, Claire has failed to fully recognize the displeasure of her stay-at-home husband, Dennis (Martin Donovan), an unemployed stockbroker who’s made a commitment to their two children since getting the ax.

With so much on her plate, Claire is floored when Dennis abruptly serves her with divorce papers and an order to vacate the premises.

Ouch!

“What have you become? Why are you doing this?� asks the perplexed protagonist, who must promptly hire an attorney. Bitterness ensues as battle lines are drawn, a conservative judge favors Dennis in court and the youngsters--a boy and girl (Michael Cera and Charlotte Arnold)--are caught in the cross-fire.

Role reversal is the key to the topsy-turvy script by Marsha Norman (“ ‘Night, Mother�). For years, it’s the woman who felt forsaken at home while the man brought home the bacon. Here, it’s the resentful, envious fella whose deflated ego has taken a thrashing after he failed to provide. Dennis wants another job but can’t find one, and he’s lost his self-esteem.

It’s an interesting scenario that may not sit well with men, but women are certain to sympathize with Claire each step of the way. Yes, Lifetime certainly knows its audience.

Donovan, perhaps best known for the dark comedy “The Opposite of Sex,� is convincingly cold, distant and dissatisfied under the subtle direction of David Jones. Bracco also is persuasive as the loving yet combative career woman fighting for her children.

In an unfortunate nod to feel-good TV, we get a conciliatory and formulaic finale that comes as no surprise. In the real world, it’s rather unlikely most married people would be as civil as these two.

* “Custody of the Heart� can be seen tonight at 9 on Lifetime. The network has rated it TV-PG-L (may be unsuitable for young children, with an advisory for coarse language).