DOWNEY'S TALENTS MAKE FALL FROM GRACE A TRAGEDY

To paraphrase Chris Isaak, it's a sad, sad thing about Robert Downey Jr.

The 36-year-old Downey is back in rehab after his arrest last week
for investigation of being under the influence of a controlled
substance. He has self-destructed once again and this time, there may
be no easy way back to his once-promising career.

Hollywood -- tolerant to a fault of talented performers who succumb
to the demons of drugs, alcohol and self-destructive behavior -- has
already given Downey more than a few chances to straighten up. In the
past eight months, producer-writer David E. Kelley has thrown him two
lifelines: once by signing him to a prominent role on ``Ally McBeal''
when Downey was fresh out of rehab, and later by standing by him when
he was arrested in Palm Springs.

This time, Kelley was fresh out of acts of kindness and
rationalizations. While Downey wasn't fired from ``Ally'' as
initially reported, his scenes in the series' two-part season finale
- -- which was still being filmed -- have been cut and it's doubtful
Kelley will sign the actor for next season.

But as disappointing and infuriating as his behavior may be to
friends such as Kelley, Downey has ultimately hurt no one but
himself. A performer of rare screen charm and an actor with the rare
ability to make those around him better, he could have been one of
the great modern romantic comedy leads. His work in film had flashes
of brilliance -- his Oscar-nominated role in ``Chaplin,'' the recent
``Wonder Boys.''

But it was on ``Ally'' -- as Calista Flockhart's love interest, Larry
Paul -- that Downey displayed his true touch for comedy and ensemble
work. He had the ability to keep those ``Ally'' flights of fantasy
grounded in some reality and gave Flockhart a leading man worthy of
her talents. It was Downey's addition to the cast that helped turn
around a series whose future was in doubt after a dismal 1999 season.

Take a look during tonight's episode (9 p.m., Chs. 2, 35) and watch
how Downey keeps the show focused amid a flood of off-beat guest
stars that includes Sting, Paul Reubens, Cheri Oteri, female
impersonator Jim Bailey, Web queen Cindy Margolis and the Dancing
Baby. It's a magical bit of comedy acting that makes Downey's latest
fall from grace sadder than it already is.