Section 60: Arlington National Cemetery
American military personnel killed in Iraq and Afghanistan are eligible for burial in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery. This simple and deeply moving documentary, free of narration, visits America’s “saddest acre” to show the various ways loved ones honor the fallen. As one grieving visitor puts it, Section 60 is “one of the most honorable places in America.” Monday, Oct. 13, at 9 p.m., HBO
The Return of the War Room
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In 1992, candidate Bill Clinton’s campaign staff transformed presidential campaigning with its rapid-response approach, as chronicled in D.A. Pennebaker’s documentary The War Room. Sixteen years later, this documentary by the same filmmakers revisits James Carville, George Stephanopoulos, and others for a lively look back and an assessment of how the political landscape has changed since. Monday, Oct. 13, at 9 p.m., Sundance Channel
My Own Worst Enemy
The Bourne Identity meets Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in this new series about an average guy who discovers that his entire existence is merely a cover identity created for the secret agent who cohabits his body. Star Christian Slater is more credible as nice-guy Henry (as in Jekyll) than as deadly assassin Edward (as in Hyde). The premise owes more than a little to a recent British miniseries called Jekyll. Monday, Oct. 13, at 10 p.m., NBC
Presidential Debate
The last of three scheduled face-offs between Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama will take place at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. Bob Schieffer of CBS’ Face the Nation moderates the debate, which will focus on domestic and economic policy. Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 9 p.m., various networks
Living Proof
A sincere performance by Harry Connick Jr. and a strong supporting cast—including Swoosie Kurtz, Amy Madigan, Bernadette Peters, and Angie Harmon—elevate this biodrama about Dr. Dennis Slamon’s struggle to develop the breast cancer drug Herceptin. Based on the book HER-2 by NBC medical correspondent Robert Bazell. Saturday, Oct. 18, at 9 p.m., Lifetime
Other highlights
Little People, Big World
In the season premiere of this reality series, little person Matt Roloff travels to Iraq to help three children with dwarfism who need medical attention. Monday, Oct. 13, at 8 p.m., TLC
NOVA: Space Shuttle Disaster
NOVA investigates the disaster that destroyed the space shuttle Columbia in 2003, killing its crew of seven. Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 8 p.m., PBS (check local listings)
Chocolate News
David Alan Grier (In Living Color) created and stars in this irreverent new sketch comedy/magazine series. Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 10:30 p.m., Comedy Central
Show of the week
Frontline: The Choice
At the 2004 conventions of their respective parties, Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain each started down a long road that will soon lead one of them to the White House. The 20th anniversary edition of Frontline’s election-year series “The Choice” charts both men’s grueling journeys. While McCain walked a tightrope between his customary maverick image and the traditional Republican base, Obama picked his way carefully through primaries fraught with issues of gender and race. Through interviews with advisors, family, friends, and political analysts, the two-hour special explains how the 2008 election has come down to a choice between two unlikely candidates—and what that choice reveals about America today. Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 9 p.m., PBS; check local listings
Movies on TV this Week
Monday, Oct. 13
American Splendor (2003)
Paul Giamatti portrays outsider comic-book writer Harvey Pekar in this unique biodrama, which was Oscar-nominated for its screenplay adaptation. 3:30 p.m., IFC
Tuesday
The Big Steal (1949)
Robert Mitchum and Jane Greer, stars of the classic Out of the Past, reunited for this relatively breezy film noir, in which a stolen Army payroll prompts a chase across Mexico. 4 p.m., TCM
Wednesday
Erin Brockovich (2000)
Julia Roberts won a Best Actress Oscar for this film about a feisty single mom who exposed a corporate coverup of environmental contamination. With Albert Finney. 8 p.m., Encore
Thursday
Hester Street (1975)
Then-unknown Carol Kane received a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her turn as a Jewish immigrant struggling to assimilate in turn-of-the-century New York City. 8 a.m., Flix
Friday
Gone Baby Gone (2007)
Ben Affleck directed and co-wrote this critically acclaimed adaptation of Dennis Lehane’s novel about the abduction of a 4-year-old Boston girl. His brother, Casey Affleck, stars. 5:20 p.m., Starz
Saturday
In the Valley of Elah (2007)
Tommy Lee Jones was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his role as a military veteran probing the disappearance of his son after a tour of duty in Iraq. 10 p.m., Cinemax
Sunday
The Song of Bernadette (1943)
Four Oscars, including Best Actress for Jennifer Jones in the title role, went to this respectful biodrama about the French peasant girl who reported visions of the Virgin Mary at Lourdes. 7:30 a.m., FMC
