60 Minutes Season 38 Episode 20 I'm Mike Wallace: a 60 Minutes Tribute

I'm Mike Wallace: a 60 Minutes Tribute is the season 38 episode 20 of the long-running investigative TV news program, 60 Minutes. This particular episode is a look back at the life and career of Mike Wallace, who passed away earlier that year at the age of 93. Wallace was a legendary journalist and broadcaster, known for his tough and penetrating interviews with politicians, celebrities, and other newsmakers.

The episode begins with a brief video tribute to Wallace, which sets the tone for the rest of the hour. The first segment is a summary of Wallace's life and career, which spans more than six decades. We learn about his early years in radio and television, his work on game shows and news programs, and his eventual role as a co-founder of 60 Minutes in 1968. The segment includes interviews with Wallace's colleagues, friends, and family members, who reflect on his legacy and the impact he had on the field of journalism.

The next segment focuses on some of Wallace's most memorable interviews, including those with Malcolm X, Barbra Streisand, and Ayatollah Khomeini. We see video clips of these interviews, and learn about the preparation, strategy, and behind-the-scenes negotiations that went into securing them. The segment also highlights Wallace's ability to put his subjects at ease, despite his reputation for being tough and confrontational. We hear from some of the people who were interviewed by Wallace, including General William Westmoreland, who was famously grilled about the Vietnam War, and Andy Rooney, who reflects on his long friendship with Wallace.

The third segment of the episode is a roundtable discussion featuring current and former 60 Minutes correspondents, who share their memories and anecdotes about working with Wallace. They talk about his professionalism, his wit and humor, and his uncanny ability to get people to open up to him. The panel includes such notable journalists as Morley Safer, Lesley Stahl, Ed Bradley, and Steve Kroft, who reflect on the impact that Wallace had on their own careers.

The final segment of the episode is a look at Wallace's personal life, including his marriage to his third wife, Mary Yates. We learn about their courtship, their travels around the world, and Wallace's fondness for fine art and classical music. The segment also includes interviews with Wallace's children, who talk about their father's dedication to his work, his love of storytelling, and his impact on their lives.

At the end of the episode, the current correspondents of 60 Minutes say their final goodbyes to their former colleague, and reflect on his enduring legacy. They talk about the importance of holding those in power accountable, and of asking tough questions in order to get to the truth. The episode ends with a montage of some of Wallace's most memorable moments, set to the theme music of 60 Minutes.

Overall, I'm Mike Wallace: a 60 Minutes Tribute is a poignant and insightful look at the life of one of the greatest journalists of the 20th century. It highlights the importance of fearless and uncompromising journalism, and of the vital role that the media plays in keeping the public informed and engaged. It is a fitting tribute to a man who left an indelible mark on the field of journalism, and who will be remembered for generations to come.