The Russell Girl
on CBS
By Adam Shuler
A trumpet fanfare is heard, a
familiar gold crown shines on the television screen, and audiences know that the
program which follows will always be decent and suitable for family viewing. For
decades the Hallmark Hall of Fame has presented stories of inspiration; and on
CBS January 27th, the 232nd installment in the series,
The Russell Girl, was no exception.
Although she is on the verge of
being accepted to Northwestern University, young Sarah Russell’s life is about
to take a tragic turn. She learns that she has been diagnosed with leukemia, and
she feels compelled to return to her hometown to be with her family. However,
Sarah was once involved in a tragic accident that forever altered the life of
Lorraine Morrisey, a neighbor of the Russell’s. One night while Sarah was
babysitting, Lorraine’s infant daughter fell down the basement stairs and was
killed from the injuries she suffered. Sarah left town before she and Lorraine
could forgive one another, leaving each with a heavy emotional burden.
Sarah and Lorraine’s road to
emotional recovery is laced with difficulty as they hesitate to think about the
tragedy that forever altered both of their lives. But through perseverance, the
two learn to forgive each other and regain their happiness. Over time, Sarah and
Lorraine come to the realization that no malicious intent was ever present.
Lorraine also helps Sarah confront her leukemia, and helps her to realize that
she should not keep her illness to herself and should instead let her loved ones
help her.
The Russell Girl
is an excellent example of the
importance of communication and facing one’s fears. It handles the issue of
death delicately, and even the most heated and realistic emotional exchanges in
the movie did not involve foul language. The Hallmark Hall of Fame remains
committed to providing families with decent and high-quality entertainment, and
the PTC is proud to award The Russell Girl the title of Best of the
Week.
Best TV Show
of the Week
The Parents
Television Council -
www.parentstv.org
New to the PTC?
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