Show of the week: The Strange History of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

Debuting at midnight to mark the very moment when the U.S. armed forces will officially begin recognizing the right of gay soldiers to serve, this documentary chronicles the 17-year battle over the policy known as “don’t ask, don’t tell.” During that time, 13,368 active service members were discharged because of their sexual orientation, while others, including some interviewed here, served in fear. One current service member, who appears with her face obscured, tells the camera that she wishes to defend her country “even if it’s not going to do the same for me.” Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 12 a.m. and 8 p.m., HBO