Experts Discuss Origin Of Shroud Of Turin
Is the Shroud of Turin the burial wrapping of Jesus or a clever fake?
Find out what experts have to say about the legendary burial cloth in CBS’ fascinating “The Mysterious Man of the Shroud” at 8.
Some say this is the cloth in which the body of Jesus Christ was wrapped following his crucifixion. Unfortunately for the faithful, carbon-14 dating has shown that the shroud dates back to medieval times, more than a century after Jesus’ death.
Those tests are now in dispute by at least one expert. And recent DNA tests show that if the shroud is a fake, someone went to great lengths to deceive.
The impression on the cloth was made by human blood.
Hector Elizondo (“Chicago Hope”) hosts the hour, which plays up new computer-generated models of “the man of the shroud.” Those 3-D images, however, seem rather pointless, considering that portraits of Christ are based on no more than conjecture.
This is a fair and informative report on a subject that has been an enigma for centuries. You’ll have to tune in to find out whether experts conclude if the shroud is for real.
Highlights
“Hot Shots! Part Deux” (1993), FOX at 8: There are some sequels that should never have been made. This one should have.
Back for more foolishly funny sight gags and one-liners is Charlie Sheen as Sean “Topper” Harley. This time, the Rambo-like hero is dispatched by President Tug Benson (Lloyd Bridges) to rescue American hostages.
“Something So Right,” NBC at 8:30: Kevin Nealon (“Saturday Night Live”) guest-stars as a friend of Jack’s (Jere Burns) who looks for advice when his wife leaves him on April Fool’s Day.
“Home Improvement,” ABC at 9: Brad (Zachery Ty Bryan) gets his driver’s license and - faster than you can say “More power!” - he’s in an accident. And he’s not exactly honest when he tells his parents what happened.
“The Last Boy Scout” (1991), CBS at 9: Bruce Willis stars as a former Secret Service hero who is now a private detective. The action is thoroughly engrossing, although the screenplay shows particular disdain for women. Halle Berry and Damon Wayans co-star.
“Frontline,” KSPS at 9: “Valentina’s Nightmare” reconstructs the 1994 massacre of Tutsis by the Hutu majority in Rwanda based on the experiences of a 13-year-old girl who survived an attack on her village by hiding amid corpses.
Cable Calls
“Baseball,” ESPN at 5: ESPN celebrates major-league baseball’s opening day with three games, finishing in prime time with Ken Griffey Jr. and the Seattle Mariners hosting the world-champion New York Yankees.
“Yesterday and Today: Dance, Fashion and the Urban Cowboy Era,” TNN at 5: Larry Gatlin hosts this nostalgic hour tracing the impact of the 1980 film “Urban Cowboy.” The show features interviews with dance and fashion experts as well as chats with country stars Marty Stuart, Mickey Gilley and Porter Wagoner.
“Viva Variety!” COM at 10: This splendid spoof of variety shows features material written and performed by members of the comedy troupe “The State,” plus celebrity guests, musical performers, novelty acts and short films.
Check it out. It packs some great laughs.
The debut episode features musical guest Shudder to Think.
“Ralph Emery On the Record with Tanya,” TNN at 7 and 11. Emery talks with singer Tanya Tucker about her successful career and tumultuous personal life.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actress Halle Berry, 8-year-old actor Justin Cooper and the Bee Gees.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actress Margaret Colin and singer Nanci Griffith.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Bob Vila, Russell Means, Ken Osmond and Clint Black.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Debi Mazar (“Temporarily Yours”).