The Week’s guide to what’s worth watching

I Am an Animal: The Story

of Ingrid Newkirk and PETA For 25 years, the organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has created controversy with its confrontational tactics and uncompromising position on animal rights. This award-winning documentary (which includes some graphic footage) profiles PETA president Newkirk and follows the group’s investigations and protests. Monday, Nov. 19, at 8 p.m., HBO

Athens: The Dawn of Democracy

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Contemporary notions of Athenian democracy whitewash many of its realities, argues this lively documentary. The ancient city-state subjugated women, exploited slaves, and was war-like and intolerant of dissent, as epitomized by the trial and death of Socrates. Historian Bettany Hughes takes a dispassionate look at Athens’ dark side, as well as its artistic and intellectual flowering. Monday, Nov. 19, at 9 p.m., PBS

Independent Lens: The Creek Runs Red

Beneath the idyllic exterior of Picher, Okla., lies a deadly legacy: contamination from lead and zinc mines. Despite health hazards and a dwindling population, some proud residents are determined to revitalize what the Environmental Protection Agency calls the most toxic place in America. Independent Lens looks at a community divided. Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 10 p.m., PBS; check local listings

Battlestar Galactica: Razor

This special two-hour episode, an appetizer for the sci-fi series’ upcoming final season, spotlights Homicide: Life on the Street alumna Michelle Forbes as a ruthless commander. As usual, the Peabody Award–winning drama brims with strong characters and moody atmosphere. Saturday, Nov. 24, at 9 p.m., Sci fi

Prison Nation

With more than 2 million citizens in prison, the U.S. has created a virtual nation behind bars, according to this documentary. Problems spotlighted include overcrowding, inmate-oninmate violence, soaring populations of female and mentally ill inmates, ethnic clashes, drug abuse, and an alarmingly high rate of returning prisoners. Sunday, Nov. 25, at 8 p.m., National Geographic Channel

Other highlights

Rise of the Videogame

A new five-week series traces the economic and technological growth of the video game industry from the early 1970s to today. Wednesday, Nov. 21, at 8 p.m., Discovery

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Rabbit, a 53-foot-high inflatable sculpture by Jeff Koons, will join the traditional balloons at this year’s event. Thursday, Nov. 22, at 9 a.m., NBC

All listings are Eastern time.

Show Of The Week

Frontline: On Our Watch

The Rwandan genocide of the early ’90s shocked the world, but today another humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in the Darfur region of western Sudan. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have been killed—and millions displaced—in a campaign supported by the Sudanese government. Frontline looks at the roots of the crisis and points an accusing finger at the United Nations, whose politically motivated inaction has allowed systematic killings, mutilations, and rapes to take place. Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 9 p.m., PBS; check local listings

Movies on TV this week

Monday, Nov. 19

Legends of the Fall (1994)

Oscar-winning cinematography accents this sweeping saga about brothers in early 20thcentury Montana. Brad Pitt, Aidan Quinn, and Anthony Hopkins star. 8 p.m., Flix

Tuesday

The Bad and the Beautiful (1953)

Five Oscars went to this showbiz drama, starring Kirk Douglas as a scheming movie producer. With Lana Turner and Gloria Grahame, who won a Best Supporting Actress award. 8 p.m., TCM

Thursday

Mansfield Park (1998)

In this adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel, Frances O’Connor shines as a poor but independent-minded young woman living on the estate of her aristocratic aunts. 5:05 p.m., IFC

Friday

The Untouchables (1987)

Kevin Costner plays Eliot Ness and Robert De Niro is Al Capone in Brian De Palma’s crime epic. Sean Connery won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar. 10 p.m., Cinemax

Saturday

The Incredibles (2004)

Brad Bird (Ratatouille) wrote and directed this acclaimed animated feature about a family of secret superheroes in reluctant retirement. 8 p.m., NBC

Sunday

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

Joel and Ethan Coen’s comic tribute to The Odyssey follows three chain-gang escapees. With George Clooney and a hit soundtrack of blues and bluegrass. 8:20 p.m., Encore

New on DVD

Ratatouille (2007 )

Despite its unlikely hero (a rat who aspires to become a chef), this animated family comedy drew virtually universal critical adulation. With a new animated short. (G, $30)