The BEST episodes of PBS Specials season 1998

#1 - A Life Apart: Hasidism in America

Season 1998 - Episode 3 - Aired 8/25/1998

A Life Apart: Hasidism in America relates the absorbing, dramatic story of the creation of the post-Holocaust communities in the U.S. The film presents the tensions and confusions that Hasidim experienced when they arrived here after World War II, decimated and grieving. Our story focuses on the transformation of the broken remnant of Holocaust survivors into a vital if insular community. Ironically, the Hasidic rejection of America’s popular culture and education has resulted in goals deeply desired by many Americans: stable families, strong communities and lives infused with meaning. In return, Hasidim pay a price most Americans would find too high: they adhere to strict rules of behavior; they live in a traditional society with clearly defined and prescribed roles for each member; and, within the Hasidic world, individualism is suppressed for the sake of community. These tensions are at the heart of our film.

#2 - Plane Crazy, Part 1: The Challenge

Season 1998 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/28/1998

An ill-fated attempt to build an airplane in 30 days. Cringely is full of enthusiasm, visiting air shows and meeting fellow plane-builders. Others are more realistic. His engineer says, "It's out of my sphere of comprehension." His girlfriend comments, "I home he has good insurance." Plane-builder and journalist Peter Garrison sums it up, "Except that you appear sane... I would just assume that you were a nut." And these people are on his side. Cringely quickly grasps the enormity of the task, "End of day three-I think we're now five days behind schedule."

#3 - Plane Crazy, Part 2: Nightmare On Claremont Street

Season 1998 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/28/1998

An ill-fated attempt to build an airplane in 30 days. Things progress at a snail's pace. By day 15, Cringely has little to show for his efforts. After 30 days, he has completed about seven percent of his plane. Further, he's done a poor job and the hard part is yet to come. The strain of a heavy work schedule, a limited budget, a host of skeptics and an intrusive film crew becomes too much. Cringely has gone from being a joyful plane enthusiast to a man beset by his demons. He loses it, fights with everyone and winds up verbally, even physically, attacking his film crew.

#4 - Plane Crazy, Part 3: On a Wing and a Prayer

Season 1998 - Episode 7 - Aired 10/28/1998

An ill-fated attempt to build an airplane in 30 days. Cringely appears renewed. After taking a chainsaw to 46 days of agony and aggravation, he embarks on plane number two. Cringely vows to build his plane and goes home to his native Ohio. There, in Portsmouth, he enlists the help of a family firm of plane-builders and evangelists who don't think he's nuts. In the end, despite the advice and scorn of experts, engine trouble and even floods, Cringely finally completes his plane and flies it, too. His pride restored, he reflects on the lessons learned from such an epic: turn a hobby into work and it just may drive you crazy.

#5 - Dynasty: The Nehru-Gandhi Story: Part 1 - Awakening

Season 1998 - Episode 1 - Aired 1/7/1998

Documentary on the four generations of the Nehru family involved in the emergence of independent India. On August 14, 1947, India won independence after 200 years of British rule, largely due to the efforts of three Hindu nationalists. Mahatma Gandhi was the spiritual leader and Jawaharlal Nehru, son of Motilal Nehru, was to be the elected political monarch. The next two generations of Nehrus, Indira and her two sons, continued the reign through 1991, when son Rajiv was assassinated by terrorists.

#6 - Dynasty: The Nehru-Gandhi Story: Part 2 - Mother Indira

Season 1998 - Episode 2 - Aired 1/14/1998

#7 - Lost at Sea: The Search for Longitude

Season 1998 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/6/1998

Based on the bestselling book Longitude by Dava Sobel, the program tells the story of how an unknown genius, John Harrison, discovered the key to navigating on the open seas and thus solved one of the thorniest problems of the 1700s.

#8 - John Glenn American Hero

Season 1998 - Episode 8 - Aired 10/28/1998

A fascinating documentary on the life and career of the astronaut and United States Senator who at 77 turned a new page in history by becoming the oldest person to venture into space. This remarkable man has led a remarkable life, from his role as a Navy and Marine Corps pilot to the man who made history as the first American to orbit the Earth. Using interviews and historical footage, this documentary traces Glenn's life from his boyhood in Ohio, his combat experience in World War II and Korea, his years of public service as a United States senator to his long time desire to return to space. Glenn made history 36 years ago when he became the first American to orbit the Earth. In making three orbits, he gave hope and pride to a nation desperate to catch up in the "race for space." In the process, he became the most revered American explorer since Lindbergh. Now, the 77-year-old Ohio Senator will once again make history, this time as the oldest person ever to travel in space. Through interviews and rare historical footage, the documentary traces Glenn's life from his boyhood in Ohio, his combat experience in World War II and Korea, his 1957 transcontinental speed record, years of public service in the United States Senate, and his longstanding desire to return to space. Glenn says his eye is set on the future. The documentary also looks ahead to America's space activities in the 21st century, including NASA's International Space Station. A Co-Production of KCET/Hollywood and Newsweek Productions, Inc