Romanian Orphans Face Rugged Road Adopted Or Not
In an emotional “Turning Point,” (ABC at 10), Tom Jarriel reports on the sad legacy of many Romanian orphans rescued by American families.
Six years after thousands of children were adopted from wretched government-run orphanages, the longterm effects of their mistreatment are coming to light. But it’s far from over.
Jarriel returns to Romania to find that more than 100,000 children remained housed in some 600 orphanages. And the conditions are still horrifying.
“Romania: What Happened to the Children?” profiles a Colorado couple who ultimately chose to give up their adopted 8-year-old son. His behavior became so violent and unpredictable that they feared for the safety of their young daughter. It is a powerful and affecting segment.
Many Romanian orphans suffer from so-called “detachment disorder,” which keeps them from bonding to their new families. Many also have severe developmental problems.
The good news is that some of these children can triumph against such odds. Among others, you’ll meet a remarkable 18-year-old who, though nearly blind, runs on her school’s cross-country team.
Jarriel gets high marks for chronicling an ongoing tragedy and refocusing national attention on Romania’s shameful secret.
Highlights
“Friends,” NBC at 8: This jealousy thing the writers are putting Ross (David Schwimmer) through is perfect for his character. We like him because he’s so vulnerable.
And with Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) appearing to have something going with her new co-worker (Steven Eckholdt), he’s being put through the wringer. If they gave an Emmy for Best Puppy-Dog Eyes, Schwimmer would have a lock on the award.
“High Incident,” ABC at 8: Terry Hagar (Matthew Beck) attempts to save the lives of hostages held by husband-and-wife bank robbers (Morgan Stevens, Jo Anderson).
“The Single Guy,” NBC at 8:30: Jonathan (Jonathan Silverman) hosts a prewedding dinner party for his father (Peter Boyle), but his mom (Suzanne Pleshette) makes plans to prevent the nuptials.
“The Naked Truth,” NBC at 9:30: The former ABC series debuts on NBC with more sexy nonsense built around stunning Tea Leoni. The new twist: Her tabloid magazine has been sold to meatpacker Les Polonsky (George Wendt of “Cheers” fame), who wants to reorganize the staff and turn the Comet into a respectable magazine.
Cable Calls
“Seven Sinners” (1940), AMC at 5 and 9:45: A Marlene Dietrich-John Wayne film festival begins with an entertaining South Seas romance co-starring the screen legends. They’re together again at 6:30 and 11:15 in 1942’s “The Spoilers” and at 8 p.m. and 12:45 a.m. in the same year’s “Pittsburgh.”
“Cheyenne Autumn” (1964), TNT at 5: John Ford directed what he intended to be an apology for his stereotypical and insensitive portrayal of Native Americans in his previous films. It’s the story of 300 Cheyenne who attempt a trek from an inhumane Oklahoma reservation to their Wyoming homeland.
Ricardo Montalban and Gilbert Roland play Cheyenne chiefs.
Richard Widmark leads the cavalry in pursuit. Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday (James Stewart, Arthur Kennedy) join the chase.
Though uneven, it is a noble effort, beautifully filmed in Ford’s beloved Monument Valley.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, comedian Richard Jeni and Olympic basketball player Lisa Leslie. Repeat.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Alan Alda and New York Daily News reporter Theo Wilson.