Hour Offers Amazing Medical Stories
“Ordinary/Extraordinary” (CBS at 8) departs from its usual format of that’s-incredible short subjects by devoting the entire hour to medical miracles.
The more amazing of the lot is the story of heart-transplant recipient Robert Smith of Allentown, Pa. At 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, Smith needed an extra-strong heart. What doctors chose instead was the heart of a 130-pound teenage girl, which they “piggybacked” with his own failing heart.
Today, the big guy is doing well with two hearts pounding in his chest.
Christopher Wall of Philadelphia was born with his heart outside his body. Babies born with the rare condition usually die within weeks.
Today, Wall, 21, is surviving thanks to his courage, his indomitable spirit and the efforts of a team of doctors.
Colorado’s Ivan Schultz, struck in the head by an airplane propeller, survived a massive brain injury.
Today, his Native-American sculptures are sold in galleries. Before the injury, he knew nothing of art.
Also, after a Chicago surgeon was nearly killed in an auto accident, doctors said he would require 24-hour care for the rest of his life. But he’s back in the operating room, performing surgery.
These extraordinary tales of ordinary people should be a inspiration to us all.
Highlights
“Unsolved Mysteries,” NBC at 8: I chided the series last week for some of its incredible stories. This week’s repeat features a former Florida city councilwoman who claims her cancer was cured by a healing UFO.
“Step By Step,” ABC at 8: Jean-Luc cuts a celebrity’s hair. Fabio guest-stars.
Meanwhile, Carol (Suzanne Somers) bets Dana (Stacy Keanan) that she can’t handle the 16 wild 6-year-olds invited to Lilly’s birthday party. Repeat.
“Dateline NBC,” NBC at 9: In an updated segment, reporter Mike Boettcher interviews Theresa and Jeff Timm, whose children were taken from their home by police following accusations of child abuse by an angry neighbor. Boettcher confronts the accuser who, the Timms say, purposefully set out to ruin them.
“JAG,” CBS at 9: Rabb and Austin’s (David James Elliott, Tracey Needham) investigation of the gang beating of a Marine (T.E. Russell) leads to evidence that the victim is a former gang member who refused to be part of a drug ring on his base. Gang members promise they’ll kill his brother if he doesn’t go to work for them.
“Sabrina, the Teenaged Witch,” ABC at 9: Sabrina (Melissa Joan Hart) sprinkles some real magic on an amateur magician’s show, making the young performer disappear. What’s worse, the invisible magician develops an unwanted crush on the teen witch. Repeat.
“Homicide: Life on the Street,” NBC at 10: Pembleton’s (Andre Braugher) first case as primary detective is a troubling one. A bride is murdered while trying on her wedding dress in a bridal boutique. Repeat.
Cable Calls
“The Phantom” (1996), HBO at 8: Billy Zane stars as the comic-book hero in this over-the-top, violent box-office flop.
“Feeling Minnesota” (1996), MAX at 8: Critics had strong negative feelings about this Midwest murder-mystery starring Keanu Reeves as an ex-con who falls for his brother’s (Vincent D’Onofrio) fiancee (Cameron Diaz), a woman with her own trouble with the mob.
“George Wallace” (1997), TNT at 5: The outstanding two-part movie is repeated in one four-hour-long screening. Gary Sinise stars as the fiery Alabama governor.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: George Clooney (“ER”), golf analyst Gary McCord and comedian Charles Cozart.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Danny Aiello (“Dellaventura”) and music group Radiohead.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Kathy Ireland and Chris Farley.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor-comedian Mike Myers, Jerry O’Connell (“Sliders”) and musical guest Tonic.