‘P.O.V.’ Tackles ‘Vixens’ of Football

In the fall of 1999, 80 enthusiastic recruits joined the fledgling, Minneapolis-based Women’s Professional Football League, ready to tackle a six-game season with money as just one of their goals.

Mylene Moreno’s “True-Hearted Vixens” (10 p.m. KCET), the latest installment of “P.O.V.,” focuses on two highly competitive players from opposing squads, covering their efforts in an amiable but unexciting fashion.

Political consultant Jane Bolin, 24, signs on as the hard-hitting middle linebacker for the Lake Michigan Minx. Kertria (Moochie) Lofton, 33, is a sure-handed wide receiver for the Minnesota Vixens who has dreamed of playing pro basketball for the WNBA.

Not surprisingly, the women register displeasure with the team’s sexist names. They’re also discouraged about having to generate word-of-mouth by passing out cheesy fliers at a local Hooters, one of the league’s few backers.

One team consistently dominates the other during the small-scale exhibition tour, but it’s the lack of money and promotion that primarily frustrates Bolin and Lofton.

Much of the action is ragged, attendance is sparse and the local press comes down hard on Terry Sullivan, the league’s CEO, who is behind on old debts.

“We’re so close to making this a long-term thing,” says Sullivan, but it’s hard to believe him, given the empty seats at each game.

The players give it everything they have, as does Moreno, who demonstrates an obvious respect for their commitment and endurance under the worst of circumstances.

True to its title, “Vixens” does have plenty of heart. Unfortunately, it tends to sag at times. As entertainment, however, it beats watching the XFL.

Surf Report

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SERIES

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In an arresting “NYPD Blue” rerun (10 p.m. ABC), that bad penny Harry Denby (Scott Cohen) turns up again, leading to another testy confrontation with Russell (Kim Delaney).