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David Bianculli

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03:51

"World of Ideas" Delivers the Greats

Journalist Bill Moyers is joining the ranks of television talk show hosts with his new PBS show. Eschewing the spectacle of programs helmed by Geraldo, Morton and Sally, Moyers conducts thoughtful interviews with public intellectuals. Television critic David Bianculli says Moyers really listens to his guests, giving their conversations more depth than what you'd find on network TV.

Review
03:04

NBC's "Baby Boom"

The network's new comedy is based on the Diane Keaton movie, and features many of the same actors, writers, and producers. The television version deviates from the original plot, but the message, says TV critic David Bianculli, is just as muddled.

Review
03:28

Holding the Keys to the Nuclear Arsenal

PBS will soon air the documentary Missile, about the fourteen-week training program for launch operators. TV critic David Bianculli says it gives real life context to the hit film Wargames. Director Frederick Wiseman's signature eschewing of interviews sometimes detracts from the narrative, but the movie is overall worth watching.

Review
03:33

Aretha Franklin: An "American Master"

The PBS series' latest episode is a documentary of the legendary soul singer. TV critic David Bianculli say the film gives viewers a chance to see rare interviews and concert footage, but glosses over much of Franklin's personal life.

Review
03:03

Showtime's Spooky Thriller "Gotham"

Critic David Bianculli says the cable network's new made-for-TV movie is great, thanks to its excellent performances, photography, and ghastly concept. But the lackluster script keeps Gotham from being a classic.

Review
03:20

The End of the TV Writer's Strike

TV critic David Bianculli is in Los Angeles for a press tour. Now that the five-month long writers' strike has come to an end, he discusses the upcoming television season -- which he finds largely unimpressive -- with Fresh Air guest host Sedge Thomson.

Interview
03:35

Covering the Democratic National Convention

TV critic David Bianculli wasn't impressed by the often intrusive coverage of last week's DNC. But watching clips of past conventions on C-SPAN, he was thrilled to see footage of politicians in their prime.

Commentary
03:38

A Standout Show About Vietnam

The success of Platoon in theaters has led to the development of several television shows about the Vietnam War. Some viewers might be fatigued by their sheer number; for them, TV critic David Bianculli recommends HBO's Vietnam War Stories.

Review
03:52

Tapping into a New Summer Audience

TV critic David Bianculli recommends two returning, unexpectedly popular PBS shows. Alive from Off Center showcases avant-garde performers and musicians, while American Masters features a diverse array of documentaries -- including, Bianculli says, some real masterpieces.

Review

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