Abc Highlights Heroin Threat To Teens
It could never happen in my family.
That’s the fatal assumption of a Florida man whose son, a 16-year-old star athlete, died of an overdose of heroin and other drugs. Parents will want to tune in “Heroin: The New High School High,” a sobering ABC “Turning Point” at 10.
Meredith Vieira reports from Orlando, Fla., where 42 people - six of them teenagers - died of heroin overdose last year.
“Everybody’s talking heroin. Everybody wants to do heroin,” an undercover cop tells Vieira. That’s partly because there’s heroin available these days that is so pure you can snort it.
The absence of a hypodermic needle erases the stigma of the junkie and makes using heroin seem more like using cocaine.
Though at times overly sentimental - there is the requisite interview with the grieving father and pictures of his dead son’s grave - the telecast reveals a new plague threatening kids in both inner-city and suburban schools.
Vieira also interviews Steven Tyler of the rock band Aerosmith. At one point, his heroin addiction destroyed his music and nearly cost him his life.
One striking surprise comes from a heroin treatment expert, Dr. Paul Early. He’s a former heroin addict who now works at the very center where he was treated.
Highlights
“Friends,” NBC at 8: Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) invites the gang on a ski weekend - minus that bad-boy Ross (David Schwimmer). But when Phoebe’s (Lisa Kudrow) car breaks down, they get stuck for the night at a chilly highway rest stop.
“Martin,” FOX at 8: Martin (Martin Lawrence) discovers that as a result of a mistake on his marriage license, he’s married to his arch-enemy Pam (Tichina Arnold). Postponed from an earlier date. David Alan Grier guest-stars.
“Suddenly Susan,” NBC at 8:30: The Brooke Shields series returns from hiatus with Susan in a panic after accidentally sending a sympathy card to Jack’s grandmother (Nan Martin) that includes a regrettable subliminal message. The best thing about the show’s return is that we’ve seen the last of those dopey promos depicting Shields on a world tour.
“Vital Signs,” ABC at 9: The hour includes the remarkable story of a man burned over 95 percent of his body. Thanks to a determined doctor and an iron will, the patient defeats impossible odds.
“Prince Street,” NBC at 10: From Robert Nathan (“ER,” “Law & Order”) and Michael Harbert (“Law & Order”) comes this undercover police drama set in New York City.
The series is based on an elite NYPD task force that operated from 1971 to 1991, infiltrating organized-crime families, tracking down killers and protecting against terrorist attack.
Vincent Spano, Mariska Hargitay and Joe Morton head the ensemble cast. The premiere was unavailable for review.
“48 Hours,” CBS at 10: Susan Spencer interviews pianist David Helfgott, the Australian musician whose improbable life story is told in the acclaimed film “Shine.”
Cable Calls
“Something to Live For: The Alison Gertz Story” (1992), LIFE at 9: Molly Ringwald stars in this moving, cautionary tale about a 16-year-old AIDS victim.
After a sluggish first half, the fact-based movie takes off with affecting reactions from Gertz’s mother (Lee Grant), father (Martin Landau) and boyfriend (Perry King).
It’s Gertz’s gay friend (Peter Spears) who has the strongest voice.
“The government still thinks it (AIDS) is reserved for queers and junkies,” he tells Alison. “Nothing is going to change until more people like you get it.”
“ShoWest Awards,” TNT at 7: Sinbad hosts ceremonies honoring top stars and movies as determined by theater owners.