Penny Johnson

Filmed under the title The Big Dance, this tense, made-for-cable docudrama recreates the events following the devastating terrorist attack on New York City and Washington, D.C., on September 11, 2001. The focus is on President George W. Bush, here played by Timothy Bottoms. Inasmuch as the film was assembled by a man avowedly sympathetic to Bush (Hollywood veteran Lionel Chetwynd), there are few ambiguities here: The president acts swiftly, decisively, and dispassionately, and there's no time to raise any questions about judgment, discretion, or diplomatic missteps, past, present, or future. Chetwynd's teleplay utilizes several well-known factoids (the president wanted to return to Washington immediately after the attack, but his advisors wouldn't let him) along with a number of newly unearthed information bites (the crew of Air Force One had to use cell phones to contact the DC airport, out of concern that their radio would alert terrorists to their location). Also dramatized are the efforts by the government to gather evidence against al-Qaida, and the president's inspiring address to the nation ten days after the tragedy. DC 9/11: Time of Crisis debuted September 7, 2003, on the Showtime network. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

The second season of the FOX series 24 comes to DVD on this seven-disc set from 20th Century Fox Home Video. Originally aired from 2002-2003, season two takes place on Day Two from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. (encompassing a full 24-hour period). Each episode is presented with a widescreen anamorphic transfer and Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround Sound in English. A Spanish-language soundtrack, closed captions, and English and Spanish subtitles are also available. Special features include commentary on six episodes, 44 deleted scenes with optional commentary, and multi-angle functions. The featurettes are "On the Button: The Destruction of CTU," "Making of an Episode: Production," and "Making of an Episode: Post-Production." ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide

This six-disc set from 20th Century Fox contains every episode from the first season of the award-winning suspense series 24. All the episodes are rendered in a transfer that preserves the original broadcast aspect ratios. English soundtracks are rendered in Dolby Digital Stereo. Supplemental materials include an alternate ending for the season finale, an introduction from series star Kiefer Sutherland, and a television advertisement for season two of the show. This is a superb set for fans of the series. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

Cassie Whitman (Roma Downey) is at first relieved that her husband David (William Russ) has survived a deadly plane crash. But as the comatose David recuperates, Cassie learns a few things that will seriously jeopardize the future of her marriage. For one thing, David's travelling companion the plane (who was killed in the crash) was his mistress, with whom he been secretly seeing for eight years. For another, the "other woman" had a child by David, named Erica (Kristina Malota). Will Cassie forgive, forget and take Erica to her heart, or will she give both her husband and his child the bum's rush? This highly rated TV movie offers a rare opportunity to hear Roma Downey playing a role without her inherent Irish accent, and she meets the challenge quite well. A Test of Love debuted December 1, 1999 on CBS. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Carol (Julianna Margulies) tells Greene (Anthony Edwards) that she is pregnant, and offers some encouraging words to schizophrenic new mother Coco (Sheila Kelley). Jeanie (Gloria Reuben) finds her faith renewed as she cares for Rev. Matthew Lynn (Roscoe Lee Browne). Lucy (Kellie Martin) discovers that her young patient has been overmedicated. Carter (Noah Wyle) mentors a teenager named Antoine Bell (Corey Parker Robinson). And Romano (Paul McCrane) forces Benton (Eriq La Salle) into a crucial decision. There are a few light-hearted moments in this episode -- before everything is literally plunged into darkness. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

In this Emmy-winning concluding episode of a two-part story, Ross (George Clooney) suffers the consequences for his part in the death of ALD patient Ricky Abbott. Also detrimentally affected are Carol (Julianna Margulies) , who assisted Ross in treating Ricky, and his superiors Greene (Anthony Edwards) and Weaver (Laura Innes). Weighed down by controversy and not wishing to cause any more trouble for his colleagues, Ross bids farewell to County General. In other developments, Greene treats injuries stemming from a school bus accident; tragedy strikes in the home of troubled Nigerian janitor Mobalage (Djimon Hounsou); and Carol makes a painful personal sacrifice to save her free clinic. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Greene (Anthony Edwards) has a severe panic attack when he is hazed by a group of fun-loving paramedics. While going through a grueling 36-hour shift, Corday (Alex Kingston) commits a fatal error. Anspaugh (John Aylward) thinks he has found a perfect candidate for ER chief in the form of one Dr. Amanda Lee (Mare Winningham). And Carter (Noah Wyle) is upset to learn that Lucy (Kellie Martin) is as contemptuous of him as he is of her. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Carter (Noah Wyle) is forced to shave off his precious beard when he gets carpenter's glue stuck in it. He also seeks out a new residence, ending up with a surprising landlord. Elsewhere, Ross (George Clooney) risks life and limb to rescue gay teenager Kevin Dulaney (Chad E. Donella), who has been beaten and left for dead in a very dangerous neighborhood. And Corday (Alex Kingston) asks to intern for Benton (Eriq La Salle), who is himself preoccupied with finding help for his hearing-impaired son, Reese. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide