Savage Planet: Storms of the Century

This entry from the Savage Planet series that ran on PBS takes up the topic of “the stunning beauty and deadly power” (back-o'-the-box flummery) of cyclones. Specifically, it limns a storm that hit the eastern United States in 1993, a sea rescue off Nova Scotia and a storm that blasted coastal England and Holland in 1953, savaging the ferry Princess Victoria while she was at sea. Alert readers may be wondering if "cyclones" at sea might not more properly be termed hurricanes; oh well, it's all just spinning air at some point, and the emphasis here is less on meteorological niceties than the horror, destruction and wide ranging emotion emanating from humankind's brushes with bad weather. Hairy-chested Stacy Keach delivers his usual authoritative narration, and scores of just-plain-folks reminisce about their encounters with a pissed-off Mom Nature, with the end result being that the production succeeds rather like a good episode of Real Police Chases and other action fare…but no better. Ultimately more entertaining than informative, this program will appeal to thrill seekers and disaster fans first and foremost and is an optional pick. Three other titles are also available: Deadly Skies, Extremes and Volcanic Killers (series price: $79.98). Aud: P. (M. Tribby)