‘Warriors’ Exposes Poachers’ Crimes
Great nature films fill one with the wonder and beauty of the world around us. Tonight’s “National Geographic Special: Wildlife Warriors,” NBC at 8, however, is a different kind of documentary. Its focus is dark, and its images are as disturbing as any you’ll see on television.
The hour looks at the devastating effects of poachers on African wildlife. Elephants and rhinos have been the targets because their tusks and organs are used in tribal medicines and are supposed aphrodisiacs.
Most disheartening is that in recent years poaching has been done with the assent of African governments. In some instances, soldiers led the killing.
Tune in, and you’ll witness the horrible destruction. Sometimes it’s too much to bear - definitely not for small children.
“Wildlife Warriors” looks at how Botswana is fighting back. Under the leadership of Gen. Ian Khama, government troops have taken over the anti-poaching efforts. Helicopters, airboats, speedboats, horses, dogs - the full range of military hardware - have been employed in an all-out war.
The film, by Emmy- and Peabody Awardwinning producers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, also demonstrates how education and conservation are helping replenish endangered species.
The special does offer hope for these magnificent animals. And significantly, it shows that a developing nation has the means to recognize and address the crisis. That’s good news for us all.
Highlights
“Beverly Hills, 90210,” FOX at 8: As revealed last week, Kelly (Jennie Garth) is in trouble with cocaine due to the conflicts she has with the men in her life, including Colin (Jason Wiles). Steve and Clare (Ian Ziering, Kathleen Robertson) are booked on a talk show that addresses the topic, “Couples Who Argue.”
“Scientific American Frontiers,” KSPS at 8: Included in this episode, which focuses on flight, is a segment that shows how complex computer navigation systems aboard jetliners have the potential to create pilot error. Coincidentally, an example parallels what a preliminary investigation found to be the cause of the recent crash of an American Airlines jet in Colombia.
“Bless This House,” CBS at 8:30: Burt and Alice (Andrew Clay, Cathy Moriarity) panic when they find out that Danny’s (Raegan Kotz) English project is based on her pen-pal correspondence with a convicted mass murderer.
“The Drew Carey Show,” ABC at 8:30: After an incident that causes him to ponder his mortality, Drew (Drew Carey) reconsiders his youthful ambition to be a clergyman. His friends’ reactions produce plenty of funny moments.
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” KSPS at 9: This show, based on Stephen Covey’s best seller, offers a blueprint for creativity and change. It could be one of the most productive hours you spend watching television.
“Law & Order,” NBC at 10: The death of a thoroughbred prompts an investigation that uncovers a conspiracy to defraud an insurance company. The scam also may be linked to a murder.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Dave Foley (“NewsRadio”) and actress Susan Sarandon.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor-comedian Dana Carvey, NBA star Chris Webber and music group Toad the Wet Sprocket. Repeat.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: MTV’s Daisy Fuentes.
xxxx Cable Calls New York Times Syndicate “The Summer House” (1993), MAX at 8: Joan Plowright is very entertaining as the mother of the groom in this offbeat comedy about a marriage that almost everyone feels shouldn’t take place. Jeanne Moreau plays Plowright’s old classmate from France. “Maternal Instincts” (1995), USA at 9: Delta Burke plays a woman driven to madness after an emergency hysterectomy is performed without her consent. Unavailable for review.