TV’s best bets: Recalling ‘96 Everest climb

Tue., May 13, 2008

Mike Hughes Gannett News Service

Tonight’s must-see

PBS “Frontline: Storm Over Everest,” 9-11 p.m., KSPS channel 7, KCDT channel 26, KUID channel 12.

The weather seemed gorgeous around Mount Everest on May 10, 1996. There were so many climbers that many had to wait; descents were delayed.

Then things turned fierce – 80-mph winds, 30-below zero temperature. This was deadly.

That story has been told (very well) before. Now comes a brilliant re-telling by David Breashears, who was there at the time, with an IMAX team.

This is a stunning mix of old footage, re-enactments and the vivid memories of survivors, including Dr. Buck Weathers – whom twice was left for dead.

Tonight’s might-see

“Women’s Murder Club” season finale, 10 p.m., ABC.

Lindsay has relentlessly pursued the Kiss Me Not Killer.

Now comes the confrontation. To get there, she reluctantly gets help from her dad.

Other choices include

“American Idol,” 8 p.m., Fox. The final three people perform. On Wednesday, we’ll learn who’s in the finale.

“Beauty and the Geek” finale, 8 p.m., CW. There are three duos left, but one is quickly dumped via a pop quiz. The others return to the mansion – where the eliminated contestants have returned – then have their final showdown.

“NCIS,” 8 p.m., CBS. Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen) is the only person who can identify someone trying to kill him.

“Nova: A Walk to Beautiful,” 7 p.m., KSPS channel 7; 8 p.m., KCDT channel 26 and KUID channel 12. In rural Ethiopia, this documentary said, childbirth ravages the young and undernourished. They emerge with chronic incontinence and are ostracized. Some walk to the one hospital that treats them. We follow three women, in a beautifully made, deeply disturbing film.

“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 9 and 10 p.m., NBC. In a quick change, NBC has ditched tonight’s “Saturday Night Live” rerun and doubled up on “SVU.” First is a rerun of the overwrought Robin Williams episode. Then is a new one in which Lake (Adam Beach) leaps way too seriously into an old case. He gets in a shoot-out with the investigator and takes the witness hostage.

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