‘Lewis & Clark’ Brings History To Life
Public broadcasting provides a memorable viewing experience in “Lewis & Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery,” a brilliant and inspiring film by Ken Burns (“The Civil War”).
The two-part KSPS documentary airs tonight and Wednesday at 7. “This is a story about what was around the next bend, a story about the future of the United States,” Burns says of the expedition commissioned by Thomas Jefferson.
Burns overcomes the lack of contemporary photographs of the monumental trip West. Paintings provide historic context. However, it’s the landscape, mile by mile, photographed in its awesome splendor that is this film’s great star. Lewis, Clark and many of their men kept extensive diaries, which are used to add color and depth to the observations of commentators and historians.
Voices are provided by Adam Arkin (Meriwether Lewis), Murphy Guyer (William Clark), Sam Waterston (Thomas Jefferson) and Matthew Broderick (John Ordway, a young soldier from New Hampshire). Hal Holbrook narrates.
You will be hearing a lot of hype during November’s Nielsen ratings “sweeps.” But this truly is television at its very best. Burns again succeeds at bringing history to life. He is an American treasure and this is another of his priceless contributions.
Highlights
“Mad About You,” NBC at 8: Mel Brooks returns in his Emmy-winning role as Uncle Phil. This time, he turns to Paul and Jamie (Paul Reiser, Helen Hunt) when he gets into unusual legal trouble.
“The World’s Scariest Police Chases 3,” FOX at 8: They can run, but they can’t hide. One of FOX’s most popular specials returns with new footage of chases and arrests. The network is recommending viewer discretion.
“Over the Top,” ABC at 8:30: Talk about scenery chewing! John Ritter guest stars as an acting rival of Simon’s (Tim Curry). They both pull out all the stops when they compete for the same role.
“Frasier,” NBC at 9: Pregnant Roz (Peri Gilpin) gets help from Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) to break the news to her lover (Todd Babcock) that he is going to be a father. Also, Daphne (Jane Leeves) baby-sits, with a hapless assist from Niles (David Hyde Pierce) and Martin (John Mahoney).
“Michael Hayes,” CBS at 9: Hayes (David Caruso) takes on Russian mobsters who have been bilking the government out of unpaid taxes.
“Dateline NBC,” NBC at 10: You’ll be amazed by a report on an Oklahoma teenager who underwent radical brain surgery to address the symptoms of a severe form of epilepsy.
Cable Calls
“Outside the Lines,” ESPN at 4:30: Bob Ley reports on a topic that has been downplayed in recent decades: sportsmanship. Followed at 5 by a live ESPN “Town Meeting” on the same subject, also hosted by Ley.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Fran Drescher (“The Nanny”) and actor Dylan Christopher.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Danny Aiello (“Dellaventura”), actress Helena Bonham Carter, Mandy Patinkin (“Chicago Hope”) and his mother, Dora Lee.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: From Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., Rep. Sonny Bono (R-Calif.), Ted Nugent, Donna Shalala and editor-publisher Bill Kristol.
“The Late Late Show With Tom Snyder,” CBS at 12:35 a.m.: Actor George Hamilton.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actress Mia Kirshner and comedian Lewis Black.