TV Reviews : ‘Positive’ a Talky Tour of AIDS Crisis

The AIDS crisis isn’t only a story about numbers, but the numbers speak volumes. Take, for instance, the latest estimates from the United Nations’ World Health Organization that the current worldwide total of 10 million infected with the HIV virus will rise to 40 million in 10 years. Compared to the awesome import of these numbers, “Absolutely Positive,” the first work of PBS’ new season of “P.O.V.” (tonight at 10 p.m., Channel 28) seems paltry indeed.

Director Peter Adair’s idea was to talk with others, like himself, who are living with HIV. He would cull the best interviews from about 120, record their reflections on coming to terms with their lives and insert his own diary-like comments. This would be the world of HIV from the inside.

Adair’s view, aided by producer Janet Cole, is remarkably uninteresting. Only a very few minutes out of nearly 90 convey what must be a maelstrom of furiously clashing emotions as one learns that he or she may die from AIDS. Gregg Cassin expresses his “anger at God.” A mother feels cheated that she may not watch her young daughter grow up. It doesn’t get much deeper than that.

The only surprises along this rambling trail of talking heads are anecdotal recollections of how people reacted to the bad news. While one woman decided futilely to drink herself to death, another--a drug user infected with a dirty needle--quit drugs altogether. Despite the diverse group that Adair brought together, few if any are able to articulate the drama they are living through.