‘My Sergei’ A Fairy Tale That Ends In Tragedy
On Nov. 20, 1995, the skating world was stunned by the death of 28-year-old Sergei Grinkov, winner with his wife and pairs partner Ekaterina Gordeeva of Olympic gold medals in 1988 and 1994.
Their story was a fairy tale that ended in tragedy. CBS’ “My Sergei” at 8 is a poignant account of their ascent to world dominance in skating, their gentle courtship, the birth of their daughter Daria and Gordeeva’s never-ending love.
Based on Gordeeva’s book, “My Sergei,” this docudrama combines footage of the skaters on and off the ice with a smattering of dramatized scenes that pull the story together with quiet dignity.
We can thank CBS for not making this into an overwrought TV movie driven by actors, actresses and skating doubles. Gordeeva (as herself) awakens from a sad, monochromatic dream to resume work on her memoir. As she writes, we hear her in voice-over recalling events on the sunny winter morning in Lake Placid, N.Y., when her husband died of heart failure while rehearsing for “Stars on Ice.”
A disembodied narrator (David Leary) takes over as the film leaps from that dark day to when the skaters were first paired in 1982. Sergei was 15, Ekaterina was 11.
Skating fans, especially, will be moved by this sensitively handled celebration of Grinkov’s life. His spirit lives on in this handsome production.
Highlights
“The Drew Carey Show,” ABC at 9: Rush Limbaugh and Charles Nelson Reilly guest star in an episode that finds Kate (Christa Miller) hosting a “salon” to convince Mrs. Louder (Nan Martin) that she’s sophisticated enough for a job at the department store.
“3rd Rock From the Sun,” NBC at 9: It’s DeLuise night for the wacky alien comedy. Dom DeLuise guest stars with sons Peter (“21 Jump Street”), Michael (“Brooklyn South”) and “3rd Rock” recurring cast member David.
Here’s the setup: Dick (John Lithgow) has a fling with a woman (Karen Austin) who turns out to be the mother of one of his students (David DeLuise). Her offended ex-husband and two other sons pay Dick a visit to defend her honor.
“American Masters,” KSPS at 8: “Billy Wilder: The Human Comedy” is a lively homage to the feisty director of “Some Like It Hot,” “Sunset Boulevard,” “The Lost Weekend,” “Double Indemnity” and other Hollywood classics.
Wilder recalls turning points in his career and outlines his philosophy of filmmaking.
Walter Matthau narrates.
“Great Performances,” PBS at 9: Leontyne Price, Diahann Carroll and Maya Angelou are among those who share fond memories and personal insights into one of America’s great musicals in “Porgy and Bess: An American Voice.” Ruby Dee narrates the hour, which includes comments from scholars who discuss the racial themes of the original novel and subsequent play.
Cable Calls
“The Hunted” (1998), USA at 9: Here’s a fresh idea: a TV movie about a beautiful woman who is being stalked through the woods by a crazed killer. This time it’s Madchen Amick on the run from a mountain man (Harry Hamlin) who turns out to be a psychopath. Yawn.
“South Park,” COM at 10: The first of four new episodes finds the foul-mouthed kids confronted by a new student - Damien, the son of Satan. As Cartman’s birthday nears, Damien challenges Jesus (host of South Park’s cable-access show, “Jesus and Pals”) to a fight with his father, the Prince of Darkness. As wild as it is, it falls flat at the end. But only after a lot of out-loud laughs.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Jeff Goldblum and San Diego Wild Animal Park’s Kent Mahaffey with singing birds.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Dan Aykroyd (“Soul Man”), model Naomi Campbell and singer Duncan Sheik.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: Pam Tillis, Robert Reich and socialite Sugar Rautbord.