‘Dateline’ Report Lacks Perspective
NBC’s “Dateline NBC” at 9 probes parenthood in the inner cities in a revealing and disturbing hourlong report.
“Labor Day” begins in an inner-city hospital where correspondent Len Cannon identifies 12 unmarried black women who are having babies.
In some cases, the men who fathered their children are present; some want to be there but can’t. Others have already abandoned their families.
NBC tracked several of these cases for months, and the results are fascinating. You’ll meet one man who becomes a house-dad even though the mother of his children refuses to marry him. You’ll see a Navy veteran who seems to try hard but can’t find a job to support a family.
And you’ll get a candid look at a young man who wasn’t around for the birth of his child because he was in jail. You’ll be shocked at what he has to say when Cannon presses him on his responsibilities as a father and as a citizen.
Just as interesting are the mothers. You would expect more anger, but in only one instance do you see a single mom verbally assault the father of her child. Others seem resigned or indifferent.
I don’t recall hearing the word love mentioned.
Cannon finds what you might expect when he inquires about the fathers of these no-show fathers.
“Dateline” deserves credit for taking on this subject, but I’d be more comfortable if “Dateline” put this problem in better perspective.
It’s easy to leave the impression that these fathers represent blacks in general. They don’t.
This is about poverty. And viewers should be aware the problem crosses racial lines.
Highlights
“Unsolved Mysteries,” NBC at 8: A case is made that the Unabomber and San Francisco’s Zodiac killer are one and the same. Also included is a report on a Phoenix teenager’s alleged miracle healing from a rare disorder called known as reflect sympathetic dystrophy. Repeat.
“Everybody Loves Raymond,” CBS at 8:30: Jean Stapleton (“All in the Family”) guest-stars as Ray’s (Ray Romano) Aunt Alda, who can’t get along with his mother (Doris Roberts). It’s a fun confrontation between two of television’s best character actresses. Repeat.
“The Rockford Files: I Still Love L.A.” (1994), CBS at 9: Once again audiences can enjoy the hapless, vulnerable and lovable underdog Jim Rockford, courtesy of James Garner’s endearing performance.
Joe Santos returns as detective Dennis Becker, who lends a hand as Rockford unravels the murder of an aging actress. Rockford’s other foil, con-artist Angel Martin (Stuart Margolin), reprises his role, adding some lighter moments.
“Sabrina, The Teenage Witch,” ABC at 9: Sabrina (Melissa Joan Hart) underestimates the trouble she can get into by granting three wishes to her unsuspecting friends. Once again, the teen witch is hauled before the witches’ council. Repeat.
“Profiler,” NBC at 10: In a special Friday episode, Sam (Ally Walker) discovers that the victims of a serial killer she’s tracking are all linked to her. Repeat.
Cable Calls
“Football,” TBS at 4:30: Virginia meets Miami in the Carquest Bowl in Miami.
“Hoffa” (1992), TNT at 5: Jack Nicholson turns in a mighty performance as the fearsome Teamsters boss. But who cares? Hoffa’s blood feud with U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy is legend, and his 1975 disappearance is still a mystery.
The movie spends a lot of time covering old ground and then fabricates the details of his presumed murder. Danny DeVito also stars.
“Football,” ESPN at 6: Utah takes on Wisconsin in the Copper Bowl, played in Tucson, Ariz.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Walter Matthau.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Robert Pastorelli and music group Blues Traveler.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Comedian Dave Attel.