The TV Column

Documentary subjects terminal but determined

Justin Baldoni, filmmaker and star of Jane the Virgin, will present My Last Days, a three-night documentary airing on The CW.
Justin Baldoni, filmmaker and star of Jane the Virgin, will present My Last Days, a three-night documentary airing on The CW.

Show of hands: Is TV good for anything other than keeping up with the Kardashians, sappy Lifetime movies and ogling those barely clad beach volleyball babes in the Olympics?

Of course it is. When it's done right, TV can be extraordinarily inspirational and uplifting.

That's what we have on The CW (of all places) with My Last Days, a three-night special documentary series created and hosted by Justin Baldoni (Jane the Virgin).

Airing at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, My Last Days explores the stories of six people facing "one of life's most difficult challenges -- a terminal illness."

In the series trailer, Baldoni says, "I've always been fascinated by ordinary people overcoming extraordinary obstacles. The stories of these six real-life superheroes remind us that having a limited amount of time doesn't mean we can't make a positive impact on the world."

He adds, "My Last Days is a look at what happens when we detach from the material things of the world and live fully in the moment. I'm proud to share these stories that remind people that each and every one of us has the power to choose happiness and to make a difference, regardless of the hand we've been dealt."

Here, according to The CW, are the episodes and profiles of the people featured in the series.

Wednesday: "Claire & Darth"

Claire Wineland is a 19-year-old from Venice Beach, Calif., with cystic fibrosis. She founded Claire's Place Foundation Inc., a nonprofit organization providing support to children and families affected by the disease. Wineland is also a best-selling author and inspirational speaker.

Darth Vader, of Canandaigua, N.Y., was born Eric Welch, but legally changed his name in 2014 to that of his favorite Star Wars character. Although Vader has been battling leukemia for the past 14 years, he has competed in more than 50 Tough Mudder competitions (10- to 12-mile mud and obstacle runs), as well as 37 half-marathons. Vader has had 13 surgeries, but "wants only to be defined by his hard work, sacrifice and adaptability."

Thursday: "Kat & Isabel"

Kat Lazo, is a 25-year-old self-described "proud lesbian" from Las Vegas. Lazo enjoys traveling, Beyonce and good food. However, Lazo has a form of stomach cancer that keeps her from enjoying her favorite food. Nonetheless, she continues to inspire "with her vibrant personality and zest for life."

Isabel Bueso, of Concord, Calif., is an aspiring sociologist who was born with the rare medical condition Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome, Buesco was told she would not live past 20. Now 21, Bueso continues to research her illness , and organizes events to build awareness.

Friday: "Kendrick & Jess"

Kendrick David Evans is a 25-year-old from Tallahassee, Fla., who has been a gospel music fan all his life and even started his own gospel group as a kid. Four years ago, Evans was diagnosed with a rare form of sleep apnea and told he had about three years to live. Evans keeps going and looks to complete his fourth album and stage a concert with some of his favorite gospel stars.

Jess Oldwyn, 35, from Friday Harbor, Wash., has been diagnosed with brain cancer and has had three surgeries that have, at times, left her unable to speak or move her right side. She credits her love for her husband and determination to find a treatment with keeping her going.

Baldoni, who plays Rafael on Jane the Virgin, began his My Last Days series on YouTube several years ago. This is the first time it made it to broadcast TV.

"We're all going to go," Baldoni says. "It's how are you're going to go out" [that matters].

Duck Dynasty, 8 p.m. Wednesday, A&E. Surprise! This obviously scripted, "unscripted" reality show that follows the adventures of the millionaire entrepreneur Robertson family from Monroe, La., is still on the air and in its 10th season.

We last saw Willie Robertson charming the crowd on the first night of the Republican National Convention by talking about "being on the Trump train from the beginning." He was followed to the stage by Scott Baio.

Duck Dynasty is well past its prime. The fourth season premiere on Aug. 14, 2013, earned an amazing 11.8 million viewers, and that season averaged 9.16 million viewers each week. It has fallen steadily ever since.

The current season's July 6 premiere was seen by only 1.3 million.

Wednesday's episode, "Bro'd Trip," finds Jase and Willie on a business trip to Arkansas. Meanwhile, Jep and Si accidentally ship out an important item of Willie's, then attempt to track it down.

The TV Column appears Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Email:

mstorey@arkansasonline.com

Style on 08/16/2016

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