Tom Selleck Returns As Jesse Stone

Former "Magnum P.I." Star Returns In TV Movie, "Sea Change"

(CBS/AP)  Tom Selleck is back on TV as small-town Police Chief Jesse Stone who is frustrated by his boring job and misses his ex-wife in his fourth TV movie for CBS, "Sea Change."

Stone reopens a 12-year-old murder investigation, trying to give this cold case and his life a new start. Selleck is staring with Emmy-winner Kathy Baker, who is making her debut in a Jesse Stone movie. William Devane plays a crazy psychiatrist.

Based on the best-selling novels by Robert B. Parker, the Jesse Stone franchise began two years ago with "Stone Cold," followed in 2006 by "Night Passage" and "Death in Paradise." Selleck serves as executive producer for the movies.

Although "Sea Change" is built on Stone's back story, Selleck said audiences shouldn't have too much trouble following. His old TV series "Magnum P.I." was also built on a cumulative narrative, Selleck said.

"I think audiences have to be able to see something and it plays unto itself," he told The Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith. "But that being said, anybody who saw the others gets kind of a bonus because there is a continuing story but they'll figure Jesse out pretty quick."

Stone spends most of his life listening to music by German composer Johannes Brahms and drinking a bottle of scotch. Playing a flawed character is more fun, Selleck said.

"This guy is basically a good guy with a lot of problems," he said. "That's just a recipe for an actor wanting to do a good part. He's hopelessly hung up on his ex-wife and always struggles with a drinking problem. Because he always struggles with it, we don't have to lecture people about it. I think everybody knows it's not a real good idea to have drinks alone while you're brooding at night."

The result is that the movie doesn't feel like a stereotypical made-for-TV movie. Selleck said he approached CBS President Les Moonves with the Jesse Stone books and they took a risk. Luckily, they were rewarded.

"He said, 'I don't want something that looks like a TV movie,' " Selleck said Moonves told him. "I think people are used to that. They're executive produced by the same people all the time … I want to do something, if you'll give me the control, that looks like a motion picture. So when somebody's channel swimming, they stop and go, 'I didn't see this in the theater.' And I guess it worked."

Selleck is in talks with NBC to take on a character role in the series "Las Vegas," but he said that part is contingent upon doing a fifth Jesse Stone movie.

"If I get to do it, you have to give me the time to do Jesse," he said. "So I may be working on two networks, which would be kind of nice for my mortgage."

"Sea Change" airs at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 22.

[Holly711]

I thought Tom Selleck did an excellent job of both acting and directing. It's refreshing to watch a program that was not all blood and guts and although some violence, it wasn't as vivid as most. I did not read the book but most movies don't bother to follow the storyline of the book that closely anyhow. The TV movie retained my interest in the story and unless it is a premium channel, you know that commercials are going to abound.
I loved Tom on "Las Vegas" and thought he did a great job with this TV project. Keep up the good work! You are still "much admired"!

[thegrammargal]

I am outraged by the number of SMOKING scenes in this made-for-TV-movie! Who financed this production: tobacco companies and junk food vendors?! Who are you trying to compete with? That ridiculous chain-smoking, Sharon Gless character on the aptly named series, "Burn Notice"?! I will be sure to note all your advertisers for "Jesse Sotne" and boycott their products! That's the beauty of DVR: speed through or take note of all the obnoxious commercial interruptions.

[pared1]

Who cares!! He's an idiot and couldn't really act to save his own life.

[denisec9]

I love Jesse Stone. I hope it goes to a series!

[keylago]

hi,great job.just like the last 2 episodes.did this story supposedly occur in maine?does tom live in joneboro in the summer?i also live in maine.and run a fishing charter buisness.keep up the good work.

[irwin_tolins]

from Irwin_tolins:

What was the title of the Brahms piano piece used in the tv movie "Sea Change," starring Tom Selleck? And, what are the details on the recording used? Thanks.

[e-mail]

[bamberkat13]

I read the book last week and was very disappointed in the movie. Very! Where did the dog come from? Jesse's old dog died in the first movie. Where was the ex-wife he was living with in a condo? And, most importantly, why is Jesse swilling down the booze again? I did not like seeing that. Too depressing. This movie was not as good as the preceding ones. I want to see Jesse working on a current murder (like the floater in the book)and not digging up an empty grave out of boredom. I want to see Molly back and not Kathy Baker. Even the one liners weren't as good in this movie!

[raans]

Great show....rich charters, good plot and great to see Mr. Selleck again...would like THIS to be a series.....

[runotsure]

I have never read the book but the t.v. story was great. It wasn't like most television. Selleck was great and the dialogue was perfect. Really good. Congrats to Selleck and the writers. I want to see it again - and the character was complex, REAL, and someone I'd like to know what happens to over time.

[redhen18]

Good looks aside even at age 62, Tom Selleck continues to be eminently watchable and has nailed the Jesse Stone character. More please!