‘48 Hours’ Examines Capital Punishment
CBS’ “48 Hours” at 10 puts an intriguing spin on the death-penalty debate with an hour that centers mainly around a Florida woman who witnessed her father’s murder.
Ten years ago, SueZann Bosler watched in horror as an intruder, James Bernard Campbell, killed her father and almost took her life. Thanks to her testimony, he was convicted for murder and later sentenced to die.
Now, Bosler is fighting for her assailant’s life.
She says that averting Campbell’s execution would be a memorial to her father, a minister who was opposed to capital punishment.
Twice, Campbell’s convictions were overturned. As he faces a new trial, Bosler is his most energetic supporter.
You’ll see her dramatic testimony.
To contrast this unusual view of the death penalty, “48 Hours” profiles David Small, a part-time Arkansas park ranger. He was attacked, along with his partner and a police officer - both of whom died.
He was allowed to witness the killer’s execution. “48 Hours” was there to get Small’s reaction.
Bosler and Small are vivid personifications of the two sides of the death-penalty dialogue. But this is more than just talk. This hour helps one understand both views.
Highlights
“Nothing Sacred,” ABC at 8: John Cullum (“Northern Exposure”) guest-stars as Father Ray (Kevin Anderson) attempts to reconcile a widower and his daughters. Complicating things: The deceased woman desired a Catholic burial, but her husband, a lapsed Catholic, is dead set against it.
“Friends,” NBC at 8: Monica has a date with Rachel’s (Jennifer Aniston) former high school boyfriend (Dan Gauthier of “Beverly Hills, 90210”). Also, Joey and Chandler (Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry) decide it’s time to sell Joey’s homemade entertainment center.
“Mystery!” KSPS at 8: In the season premiere, John Thaw (“Inspector Morse”) stars in a two-hour-long drama, “Into the Blue,” as a down-and-out businessman who has taken a job as caretaker at a Greek estate.
“Seinfeld,” NBC at 9: The trigger-points for laughs in this series are many and varied. This week, Kramer hires an assistant - a funny thing for a guy who almost never has a job. Also, George’s boss tries to fire him.
“Cracker,” ABC at 9: “Fitz” (Robert Pastorelli) is confounded by a murder suspect who claims he has amnesia, despite being apprehended drenched in the victim’s blood.
“ER,” NBC at 10: With the live season-opener out of the way, the series settles down to business.
Carter (Noah Wyle) feels badly about being treated like a first-year intern; Benton (Eriq La Salle) works with a new trauma doctor, Elizabeth Corday (Alex Kingston); and Ross and Hathaway (George Clooney, Julianna Margulies) continue their renewed romance. Also, Chad Lowe gueststars as a medical student who keeps disappearing to work on his private research.
xxxx MARINERS BASEBALL PLAYOFFS ESPN will show Seattle playing visiting Baltimore Orioles at 1. On FOX at 5, Cleveland takes on the New York Yankees.