Television

TV critic David Bianculli reviews Christian Blackwood's new documentary for the POV program on PBS. Bianculli says its unusual cast of characters makes him reconsider his nostalgia for overnight stays during family road trips.

In anticipation of the new season, networks have been trying to one-up with each other with pilots of new shows. TV critic David Bianculli says NBC's Parenthood is the best of the bunch, while Hull High can't compete.

Dispensing with the points-of-view of the usual power brokers like police and politicians, the new made-for-TV movie focuses on a young, black reporter. Television critic David Bianculli says the quiet parts are as effective as the moments of upheaval.

A new made-for-TV movie about the late actress's life and television career, called Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter, is as awful as any tele-movie, says critic Maureen Corrigan. Since Ball's death last year, networks have been trying to recapture the magic of Lucy's sitcom -- an impossible task since, according Corrigan. the original show was nearly perfect.

TV critic David Bianculli reviews Hiroshima, a fictional retelling of real events surrounding the bombing of Hiroshima. Despite some excellent performances, he says that no story can match the grim reality of the city's devastation.

While network TV takes a break until the fall, cable channels premiere fresh programming for subscribers. Critic David Bianculli reviews Fear, a made-for-TV movie on Showtime, starring Ally Sheedy as a psychic who investigates serial killers.

The first episode of the PBS documentary series' new season, about playwright Preston Sturges, has TV critic David Bianculli excited for forthcoming profiles of other cultural figures. He says the program isn't just engaging -- it inspires him to further explore the work of each American master.

Television critic David Bianculli reviews the season premiere of "POV," public television's series of independent documentaries.

Television critic David Bianculli reviews a new Siskel & Ebert special on CBS that looks at the future of the movies.

Television critic David Bianculli gives his picks for the best and worst T-V shows of the past season.