The Path to 9/11
ABC presents a miniseries dramatizing the events detailed in The 9/11  Commission Report
by Katie Austen, contributing writer
Posted on September 7, 2006

Without a doubt, we all remember where we were the moment we heard the news of the attacks that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001. The nation stood still as terrorists hijacked four planes and used them as lethal weapons against innocent Americans. It is something our generation will never forget, nor hope to relive again.

ABC will present yet another take on the events surrounding Sept. 11 in a special miniseries event, but this one is actually worth tuning into. “The Path to 9/11” will air on Sunday, Sept. 10 and Monday, Sept. 11 from 8 to 11 p.m. The presentation will be aired with limited commercial interruption.

It is hard to believe we are only approaching the fifth anniversary of that day. With the way the media is exploiting and capitalizing on the event with Hollywood movies like “World Trade Center,” “Fahrenheit 9/11,” “United 93,” the made-for-TV movie “Flight 93,” and “Inside 9/11,” one would think that it’s been longer than five years since that day.

“It’s too soon,” said senior Ashley Atkinson. “Families are watching famous actors portray their moms, dads, husbands, wives, brothers and sisters. Some may see it as a tribute and paying respect, which it is, to their brave act that day. But how would you feel watching someone attempt to show the world who your father was in only a two-hour film?”

There is a clear reason as to why all of these movies were made and are still being made. They’re made to tell the stories of those involved, to prove how devastating the events were to those directly affected and their families. They are made to put everyone in the shoes of those who were there, and to prove a point on how much America needs to change. But it just feels too soon and too convenient of a moneymaker for media companies and studios. It seems that these companies are telling these stories for all the wrong reasons.

What is great about this program is that unlike most plots dramatizing the events of that day, this follows the events detailed in The 9/11 Commission Report. It tells the story leading up to the events of Sept. 11 — which had been in progress since the 1993 van bombing of the World Trade Center. It gives a liberal and very eye-opening view to all of the events and all of the controversy surrounding those involved in the incidents.

Not only is it captivating and informative, it is tastefully done. For someone coming in close-minded to the idea of another take on the event, I was pleasantly surprised at how professional and revealing it really was.

I am not supporting ABC’s decision to air this miniseries, because I think it’s still far too soon to air something of this subject matter due to the sensitivity of the subject, but I agree with its mission to show the events that led up to our nation’s attack.

The memories of that day and of those lost are still very real in our minds. Perhaps we should have allowed more time for respect.