‘48 Hours’ Examines Down Treatment
Parents of children with Down syndrome will watch tonight’s “48 Hours” (CBS at 10) with great interest.
Many already may have heard of Dixie Lawrence Tafoya, the woman who has single-handedly created a national debate over the use of a vitamin supplement and an unapproved drug to treat Down syndrome children. She claims that after giving Madison, her adopted daughter, Nutrivene D and Piracetam for four years, the child has made remarkable progress.
Tafoya says Madison now functions at the same level as other children her age.
Correspondent Erin Moriarty interviews Tafoya and spends time with Madison, who appears to be a remarkable child.
You’ll hear from doctors who denounce Tafoya’s therapy, as well as one who now prescribes the controversial treatment. Three Down-syndrome mothers are critical of Tafoya’s crusade.
Moriarty also visits a couple who elect to use the treatment on their newborn.
Moriarty interviews actor Chris Burke, the “Life Goes On” star born with Down syndrome, as well as his parents. She appears to catch Tafoya in a misstatement when she claims that Burke has achieved success because he’s had “treatments.”
Burke’s parents say all they gave him was love and encouragement.
Highlights
“Promised Land,” CBS at 8: While searching for the rest of the family, Russell and Dinah (Gerald McRaney, Sara Schaub) pick up a hitchhiker (John Dye) they recognize as the Angel of Death.
Dye plays Andrew, the Angel of Death, in CBS’ “Touched By an Angel.”
Ossie Davis also guest-stars in his recurring role of Erasmus. Repeat.
“Men Behaving Badly,” NBC at 8:30: How low can Jamie (Rob Schneider) go? He “borrows” a neighbor’s child (Justin Jon Ross) to pose as his son so he can put the moves on a single mom. Repeat.
“New York Undercover,” FOX at 9: Undercover assignments are always dangerous, but J.C. (Malik Yoba) puts his life on the line when he enters prison to nab a drug kingpin. On a lighter note, Eddie (Michael DeLorenzo) proposes to Nina (Lauren Velez).
“Seinfeld,” NBC at 9: In one of the past season’s funniest episodes (an Emmy nominee), George (Jason Alexander) is at first impressed by his new girlfriend’s (Suzanne Cryer) use of the expression “yadda, yadda, yadda” until he asks her to elaborate on a “yadda, yadda, yadda” concerning an encounter with a former boyfriend.
Meanwhile, Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld) accuses his dentist of converting to Judaism for the sole purpose of having a green light to tell Jew jokes.
“ABC News Special,” ABC at 10: John Stossel reports on “Freeloaders,” those who want something for nothing. Stossel maintains his reputation for taking a conspicuous subject and creating an entertaining and informative hour. Repeat.
Cable Calls
“Football,” ESPN at 5: The Washington Redskins take on the Miami Dolphins in preseason play.
“Dangerous Liaisons” (1988), LIFE at 9: Glenn Close and John Malkovich star in this sexual escapade set in pre-Revolution France. Close plays a woman who gets her kicks by manipulating everyone around her, principally her former lover (Malkovich), a vulnerable 16-year-old (Uma Thurman) and a married woman (Michelle Pfeiffer).
“Ancient Mysteries With Leonard Nimoy,” A&E at 7 and 11: “The Search for the Abominable Snowman” explores the many tales surrounding the elusive beast known as Yeti, Kang-mi and Temu. Included is famous footage shot by tourists who reportdly say they spotted the creature in Nepal.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Paul Reiser (“Mad About You”), actor Cameron Finley and singer k.d. lang.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Charlie Sheen, actress Janine Turner, and singers Bonnie Raitt and Ruth Brown.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Rep. Maxine Waters (R-Calif.) and Norm Crosby.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actress Mira Sorvino, comedian Marc Maron and musical guest Cake Like.