Luke Perry reprises his character of Judge John Goodnight in this sequel, Goodnight for Justice: The Measure of a Man.
Luke Perry is John Goodnight
John Goodnight is a man that seeks justice. Sometimes justice involves giving someone a second chance, which often does not go over well with the locals. That is exactly what happens in this film.
When the notable Spradling gang robs and murders in a tough, Wild West town, one of their members is captured. He turns out to be a fifteen-year-old boy who just happens to be the son of one of Goodnight’s former lovers. Before he became toughened and a stickler for right and wrong, Goodnight was an easy-going, fun-loving man. And Callie Bluepoint (Stefanie von Pfetten) was one of his girlfriends. They parted in Chicago about fifteen years ago.
The townsfolk have had enough of Spradling and his murdering innocent people. They want revenge. They insist this young boy, Will (Cameron Bright), be brought to justice and hung. But Goodnight is not so quick to condemn the boy to death.
“Don’t underestimate vengeance” he tells Callie, knowing that he is going to have a hard time saving Will’s life. And he does not know if he should. But what he discovers is that the boy was taken in by Spradling and was desperate for a male role model. What he also discovers is that Will is not a bad boy. He just fell in with the wrong people. He was, in a way, brainwashed by Spradling.
Goodnight Seeks Justice
Circuit Judge John Goodnight is a fair man. He loves the law and justice. But is it justice for this young boy to be killed because of his acquaintance with a murderous man? After all, Will never killed anyone and he never shot at anyone.
Goodnight, in his infinite wisdom, sets out to find Spradling, with the help of young Will. If anyone is to die for his crimes, it most certainly should be Spradling.
John Goodnight
During this film some interesting details, and secrets, about Goodnight’s past are revealed and viewers see another side of this character. Yes, he is tough. But he does have a softer, kinder, gentler side.
Luke Perry co-executive produced this movie. It is conceivable that this character will continue to survive in future Hallmark Movie Channel films.
Goodnight for Justice: The Measure of a Man premiers Saturday, January 28, 2012 on Hallmark Movie Channel.
