‘48 Hours’ Reviews King Assassination
America’s fascination with conspiracy theories shows no signs of dying out, and the media do their share to keep the flames fanned.
Reports debunking conspiracy theories only seem to call attention to self-proclaimed experts who make a living keeping wild allegations alive.
But CBS’ “48 Hours” at 10 wades into the conspiracy debate with tonight’s hour on the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Members of King’s family are on record saying they believe that imprisoned James Earl Ray did not fire the shots that killed the civil rights leader.
They, and many others, insist that King was targeted for death by powerful forces within the government.
Do their suspicions hold up?
CBS taps Gerald Posner, whose new book, “Killing the Dream: James Earl Ray and the Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King,” will be published next month. Posner’s conclusion: Ray acted alone.
He formed his opinion after investigating numerous contrary claims. And “48 Hours” takes a look at several, including one that says King’s real killer was linked to JFK assassin Lee Harvey Oswald.
Archive news footage, interviews with King’s contemporaries and various investigators make this compelling viewing.
Highlights
“Mad About You,” NBC at 8: I’m laughing any time Larry Miller is around. He guest-stars as Paul’s (Paul Reiser) former producer Lou, now working for TV’s “Hard Copy.”
The story surrounds a decision-making “coin of destiny” that brings the Buchmans good fortune with each new flip.
“Titanic: Breaking New Ground,” FOX at 8: FOX repeats last month’s behind-the-scenes special that includes segments on the real-life Titanic saga as well as on the blockbuster Hollywood film. Another repeat documentary, “Why Planes Go Down,” follows at 9.
“For Your Love,” NBC at 8:30: Model Naomi Campbell guest-stars when Mel (James Lesure) reveals that they once dated.
In a somewhat juvenile story line, Sheri (Dedee Pfeiffer) is steamed when she discovers Dean’s (D.W. Moffett) 20-year stash of Playboy magazines. The way the conflict is resolved could have been scripted only by a man.
“Frasier,” NBC at 9: Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) can’t stand the perfectly handsome doctor (guest-star Bill Campbell) who joins the station as host of a medical call-in show. He won’t rest until he finds something about the guy that is less than “perfect.”
“NYPD Blue,” ABC at 10: Sipowicz and Simone (Dennis Franz, Jimmy Smits) interrogate a hostile paraplegic about his suspected involvement in a double rape and shooting.
Cable Calls
“Basketball,” ESPN at 4: From New York City, a semifinal double-header in college hoops’ “other” post-season showdown, the National Invitational Tournament.
“City Dump: The Story of the 1951 CCNY Basketball Scandal,” HBO at 10: This excellent documentary tells the story of one of college basketball’s darkest chapters.
What sets this story apart is that, as told here, the City College of New York national champions represented a different kind of team - whites, blacks and Jews united to battle prominent al-lwhite teams whose coaches were openly racist. Al McGuire, Marvin Kalb and Jackie Mason are among the many who remember CCNY’s fall from grace.
“TNN Live with Lorrie Morgan,” TNN at 7, repeated at 11: Morgan sings requests from viewers via telephone and the Internet (http:/ /www.country.com), live from Nashville’s Caffe Milano.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actress Kate Winslet, actor Burt Reynolds and figure skater Michelle Kwan. Repeat.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Dennis Hopper, Patricia Heaton (“Everybody Loves Raymond)” and comedian Robert Klein.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: Dick Clark, Kathy Griffin, Michael Bolton and Insight magazine editor Jamie Dettmer.
“The Late Late Show With Tom Snyder,” CBS at 12:35 a.m.: To be announced.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Bryant Gumbel (“Public Eye with Bryant Gumbel”), director Francis Ford Coppola and musical guest Green Day. Repeat.