The Wednesday Word: Inspiration

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The inspiration for Tom Fontana's latest TV offering, The Philanthropist, which will be served up on NBC TV this evening at 10pm EDT, is Bobby Sager, a living, breathing philanthropist. His presence at last night's screening at The Paley Center was an inspiration. Coming away from the experience with his words regarding his own real life experience and what everyday people can do with "small steps" every day actually made you believe. It's his hope that the show's eight episodes broadcast this summer "season" will inspire folks to take those baby steps. You don't need to be Mother Teresa or a billionaire to change the world.

What is good about coming away from this viewing experience is feeling as if you've actually been somewhere. Cinematographically the telefilm is lush--the best that Madagascar masquerading as Nigeria has to offer.



As for Fontana, if pornography were based on intellect he would be a centerfold. It is obvious that there is more than one thread of creativity going on here. All the elements do come together. There are, of course, those that over the top. OK, it's a network series about philanthropy that needs to entertain its audience. It does that with the panorama of the location but also in the panorama of James Purefoy's close ups. Purefoy is the main protagonist, Ted Rist, who takes us on this journey, albeit bigger than life and utterly passionate, that points inwardly as well as outwardly. Some will, no doubt, be uncomfortable with its moral and immoral polarities. It is, nevertheless, entertaining and soulful.




in·spi·ra·tion
Pronunciation: \ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən, -(ˌ)spi-\
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 a: a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation b: the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions c: the act of influencing or suggesting opinions
2: the act of drawing in ; specifically : the drawing of air into the lungs
3 a: the quality or state of being inspired b: something that is inspired

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