Frontline: Bad Voodoo’s War
A group of National Guard soldiers was given mini-DVD cameras in order to provide a soldier’s-eye view of the war in Iraq at the peak of the troop surge. Alongside footage of such dramatic incidents as IED attacks, members of the elite “Bad Voodoo Platoon” share personal concerns about buddies and loved ones and frustrations with their changing role in the war. Tuesday, April 1, at 9 p.m., PBS; check local listings
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In a two-part documentary, Jean-Michel Cousteau returns to the Amazon River basin he first explored 25 years ago with his father, Jacques Cousteau. He and his crew find deforestation and other alarming damage to an ecosystem that is vital to the entire planet. But they also encounter dazzling fauna, potentially valuable plants, and new business models such as ecotourism. Filmed in high-definition. Wednesdays, April 2 and 9,
at 8 p.m., PBS; check local listings
Caring for Your Parents
Filmmakers follow five families in which adult children are the primary caregivers for their aged parents. Their affecting stories demonstrate the many financial, physical, and emotional problems that accompany the graying of America. The 90-minute documentary is followed by a half-hour discussion by a panel of experts. Wednesday, April 2, at 9 p.m., PBS; check local listings
Black in America: Eyewitness to Murder—The King Assassination
Speaking to investigators and witnesses, Soledad O’Brien retraces the last year in the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his convicted assassin, James Earl Ray, and examines uncertainties surrounding the case. Her interviewees include former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young, Rep. John Lewis, and Ray’s brother Jerry. Thursday, April 3, at 9 p.m., CNN
Battlestar Galactica
With four of the “Final Five” Cylons revealed, Starbuck has mysteriously returned from apparent death, claiming to have found Earth. Baltar, meanwhile, is still hated for betraying humanity—by everyone except the members of a mysterious group that spirit him away. Thus begins the fourth and final season of this Peabody Award–winning sci-fi drama. Friday, April 4, at 10 p.m., Sci Fi
Other highlights
Independent Lens: Compañeras
A profile of Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, America’s first all-female mariachi band. Tuesday, April 1, at 10 p.m., PBS; check local listings
King
Martin Luther King III is among those who discuss his father’s legacy with Tom Brokaw to mark the 40th anniversary of Dr. King’s death. Sunday, April 6, at 8 p.m., History
America’s Port
A new eight-part series looks at the complex workings of the busy Port of Los Angeles. Sunday, April 6, at 10 p.m., National Geographic Channel
All listings are Eastern time.
Show of the week
Autism Every Day
This moving portrait of eight families with autistic children makes its U.S. television premiere on the United Nations’ first World Autism Awareness Day. Filmmaker Lauren Thierry—herself the mother of a child with autism—documents the momentous challenges these families face, including financial sacrifices, emotional strains, and dashed dreams of normal lives for their children. The film is a plea for understanding from those who wonder why such parents “can’t control their child.” It’s also a cry of alarm over the rising frequency of this perplexing disorder. Wednesday, April 2, at 8 p.m., Sundance Channel
Movies on TV this week
Monday, March 31
Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)
This cryptic drama about the disappearance of three girls during a 1900 school outing was one of the first international hits to come out of Australia. Peter Weir directed. 12:30 p.m., IFC
Tuesday
Garbage Warrior (2007)
An award-winning profile of maverick architect Michael Reynolds, who has battled bureaucracy to build self-sustaining housing in New Mexico out of detritus. 9:35 p.m., Sundance
Wednesday
A Bill of Divorcement (1932)
Katharine Hepburn made her film debut in this drama about a shell-shock victim who returns to his family after 15 years in a mental institution. John Barrymore stars. 6:45 p.m., TCM
Thursday
Smiles of a Summer Night (1955)
Director Ingmar Bergman’s first major success was an erotic comedy of manners about mismatched couples on a weekend getaway. 1 p.m., Sundance
Friday
The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
Daniel Day-Lewis (There Will Be Blood) stars in this adaptation of the James Fenimore Cooper adventure classic set during the French and Indian War. With Madeleine Stowe. 6 p.m., FMC
Saturday
Casino Royale (2006)
Star Daniel Craig successfully brought James Bond back to basics in this well-received adaptation of Ian Fleming’s first 007 thriller. 9 p.m., Showtime
Sunday
The New World (2005)
Terrence Malick (Days of Heaven) directed this lushly photographed historical drama set in the days of the Jamestown settlement. Colin Farrell portrays Captain John Smith. 6:30 p.m., HBO
Luigi Mangione charged with murder, terrorism
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How domestic abusers are exploiting technology
