Memories are made of this: A ‘Nova’ special
“NOVA” (8 p.m., WKNOTV Channel 10) presents “Memory Hackers.” This hourlong program surveys scientists studying memory itself. Some claim to have found new understanding of the very nature of human recollection; others report findings in ways to alter memories and even “plant” false memories. Some explore very gifted people with the ability (or perhaps the curse) of remembering every second of their existence, down to the most mundane detail. A “60 Minutes” report on this very select group (including “Taxi” star Marilu Henner) would go on to inspire the CBS drama “Unforgettable” starring Poppy Montgomery, a series now airing on A&E.
The notion of “brainwashing” has informed such thrillers as “The Manchurian Candidate” and its remake. Two versions of “Total Recall” show the perils and possibility of “vacationing” in somebody else’s memories.
The scientists profiled here have taken “memory” down to the molecular level, where they can monkey around with recollections using laser beams. One researcher has taken a group of people and convinced 70 percent of them that they committed a crime that never happened. Another expert has used similar experiments to help people overcome crippling fears. One subject, previously beset with arachnophobia, is shown petting a tarantula after her treatment. Now that’s not something you’ll soon forget.
The appetite for truecrime sagas continues to fuel shows like “Web of Lies” (8 p.m., ID). In tonight’s sordid saga, an upand-coming boxer leaves for a late-night assignation with an unknown woman, only to be found dead the very next day. Similar stories have fueled such dramas as the movie “The Natural,” based on a 1952 Bernard Malamud novel of the same name, inspired by the true story of Philadelphia Phillies player Eddie Waitkus, shot by an obsessive fan in 1949
hile our “Natural” baseball star survives, in this case, the plot only thickens after the palooka’s date with the morgue. His murder rips the lid off dark family secrets buried for a generation.
The tabloid tales continue with “Shadow of Doubt” (9 p.m., ID), the story of the heir to an aviation fortune who vanishes into thin air — until the ransom notes arrive.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Twelve sing to survive on “American Idol” (7 p.m., WHBQ-TV Channel 13).
I’m wondering if they shoehorned the can-opener onto the list of the “101 Gadgets That Changed the World” (7 p.m., H2). As this survey was made in 2011, I’m sure a few have been added since then.
Authorities scramble to find escaped cons on episodes of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m., WMC-TV Channel 5) and “Chicago P.D.” (9 p.m., WMC-TV Channel 5).
Eric’s return does not go smoothly on “American Crime” (9 p.m., WATN-TV Channel 24).
Josh tries to prove himself worthy of Rosa on “Man Seeking Woman” (9:30 p.m., FXX).