Jefferson’s Secret Bible
After his two-term run as president, Thomas Jefferson began a new undertaking: Assembling various copies of the Bible, he began cutting out select Gospel passages and pasting them together to create a distillation of Jesus’ teachings for personal use. This documentary follows the painstaking efforts of preservationists to restore Jefferson’s handcrafted book and the attempts by historians to gain from it new insights into the Founder’s mind. Monday, Feb. 20, at 8 p.m., Smithsonian Channel
American Experience: Clinton
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This absorbing two-part profile of Bill Clinton makes it clear that the resilience and talent that enabled the Arkansas native to survive a turbulent childhood also helped him recover from mistakes he made later in life. Interviews with Clinton friends, foes, insiders, and biographers highlight the 42nd president’s remarkable persistence, as well as the political accomplishments he achieved in Washington despite the partisan rancor that culminated in his impeachment by Congress. Monday, Feb. 20, at 9 p.m., and Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 8 p.m., PBS; check local listings
Raising Renee
Painter Beverly McIver was beginning to see her career as an African-American portraitist take off in 2004 when her mother died and she had to face a promise she’d made years earlier—to care for her mentally handicapped sister. McIver’s personal magnetism enlivens this thoughtful profile, which explores the complexities of family, race, and disability. Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 8 p.m., HBO2
Nature: Ocean Giants
Vivid underwater photography highlights this three-hour edition of Nature. Part 1 focuses on humpback whales and other giant aquatic mammals as they cruise the world’s oceans for food and mates, and protect their calves from predators. Part 2 explores the emotional lives of dolphins, and Part 3 concerns the marine mammals’ extraordinary communication skills. Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 8 p.m., PBS; check local listings
84th Annual Academy Awards
Host Billy Crystal helps the Oscars broadcast retreat to a tried-and-true formula following a tumultuous 2011. Eddie Murphy had agreed to host after critics panned last year’s Anne Hathaway/James Franco pairing, but Murphy’s producer, Brett Ratner, was forced to step down in the fall over a slur against gays. With Crystal back in the ringmaster’s role, films like Hugo, with 11 nominations, and The Artist, with 10, might be the night’s headline-makers. Sunday, Feb. 26, at 8:30 p.m., ABC
Other highlights
The Injustice Files: At the End of a Rope
An investigation of four hanging deaths that were ruled suicides but that some believe may have been racist lynchings. Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 8 p.m., Investigation Discovery
Great Performances: Memphis
The original Broadway cast performs this Tony-winning hit musical about an interracial 1950s romance. Friday, Feb. 24, at 9 p.m., PBS; check local listings
2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards
Actor/comedian Seth Rogen hosts a casual oceanside ceremony honoring independent films. Saturday, Feb. 25, at 10 p.m., IFC
