‘One Strong Arm’ tugs at heartstrings
A sweet, short documentary that makes the most of the touching immediacy of home video footage, “One Strong Arm” (10:30 p.m., A&E) will have some viewers reaching for a hanky or two.
Cody Wagner was stricken with a brain tumor and a series of strokes when he was only 18 months old. To his father, a tragedy of that magnitude was something that happened to other people.
When Cody was released from the hospital, Cody’s mother was told in no uncertain terms that she was taking her boy home to die.
The strokes left Cody paralyzed on one side of his body, but he did not die. Instead, he grew up strong, alert and personable in spite of a severe speech impediment.
Cody’s dad admits to always wanting a son to play with and roughhouse. And this boyish camaraderie between father and son becomes the heart of this story.
Cody’s partial paralysis often requires that he use his one good arm to scoot himself along the floor. As a result, his left arm becomes remarkably strong.
After watching the 1987 Sylvester Stallone arm-wrestling movie “Over the Top,” Cody becomes obsessed with the sport. “One Strong Arm” follows 18-year-old Cody to his first arm-wrestling competition, where he faces an able-bodied opponent in his own weight class.
Cedric the Entertainer hosts the third annual “TV Land Awards” (9 p.m., TV Land and Nickelodeon), honoring classic television shows and stars.
Aaron Spelling receives the Pioneer Award for his decades of influential and popular shows, from “Honey West” to “7th Heaven.” Honored series include “The Carol Burnett Show,” “The Bob Newhart Show” and the enduring syndicated dance showcase “Soul Train.”
Just wondering out loud: When is somebody going to release a DVD set of the best of “Soul Train”? It would sell well and become a pop-culture treasure.
You could watch it for the musical acts, the dance styles and the shifting fashions. Or you could watch it just for the changes in hairdos.
Meg makes a trip to Los Angeles on “American Dreams” (8 p.m., NBC) and visits the set of “I Dream of Jeannie.” Memo to “Dreams”: If you want to be known as a smart family show, why cast Paris Hilton (as Barbara Eden) when Hilton personifies the most loathsome aspects of today’s popular culture?
Other highlights
Filmmaker Wim Wenders chronicles the reunion of Cuban musicians in the 1999 documentary “Buena Vista Social Club” (4:15 p.m., Independent Film Channel).
“Survivor” (8 p.m., CBS) airs one night early to make way for Thursday’s coverage of the NCAA Tournament.
A found briefcase dredges up secrets from Kate’s past on “Lost” (8 p.m., ABC).
Bartlet mulls a change in Cuba policy on “The West Wing” (9 p.m., NBC).
The votes are tallied on “American Idol” (9 p.m., Fox).
Vaughn learns more nasty truths about his dad on “Alias” (9 p.m., ABC).
Murder stalks the dog-show circuit on “CSI: NY” (10 p.m., CBS).
A drug firm’s cure may be worse than the illness on “Law & Order” (10 p.m., NBC).
A pastor’s wife trades spaces with an unbeliever on “Wife Swap” (10 p.m., ABC).
Cult choice
Just released from an asylum, a stranger (Ray Milland) finds himself embroiled in espionage and intrigue in director Fritz Lang’s 1944 thriller “Ministry of Fear” (5 p.m., Turner Classic Movies).
Series notes
On back-to-back episodes of “That ‘70s Show” (8 p.m., Fox), a revealing prank (8 p.m.), and Hyde’s sister (8:30 p.m.) … Tyra Banks hosts “America’s Next Top Model” (8 p.m., UPN) … Jane Seymour guest-stars on “Smallville” (8 p.m., WB).
Deacon blues on “King of Queens” (9 p.m., CBS) … George needs help on “Kevin Hill” (9 p.m., UPN) … Jack finds his life altered forever on “Jack & Bobby” (9 p.m., WB) … Christine learns about Kim’s secret side on “Yes, Dear” (9:30 p.m., CBS) … Interns out of control on “The Simple Life” (9:30 p.m., Fox).