1) “Secrets of the Dead” return, 8 p.m., PBS. The Notre-Dame cathedral (shown here) in Paris has had a huge role in fiction and fact. The hunchback hid there; it’s held the funerals of presidents and the coronation of Napoleon. When it burned a year ago, the rebuilding task seemed overwhelming. Still, this terrific film shows that it’s been constantly renewed. Construction started in 1160 and took a century; a 20-year remodeling began in 1844. Details – from flying buttresses to gargoyles – were added gradually.
2) “The Conners,” 8 p.m., ABC. Life seems complicated for everyone. Dan takes his relationship with Louise (Katie Sagal) to the next level … soon finding the complexities of getting older. One daughter (Darlene) spends the night in jail. The other (Becky) is deciding whether to marry Emilio; he had been deported earlier and wasn’t around when their baby was born.
3) “FBI” and “FBI: Most Wanted,” 9 and 10 p.m., CBS. After a week off (making room for the Prince tribute), these shows return. “FBI” has a rerun – a murder victim was on the board of a company that was about to go public – and “FBI: Most Wanted” is new: A case that started as cyber-stalking has escalated into multiple murders.
4) “For Life,” 10 p.m., ABC. Next week, Aaron – who has new information from Marie – may finally get to argue his case for a retrial … unless there are more complications. One comes when Cassius suspects him of being a snitch.
5) “Slumdog Millionaire” (2008) and “Autism: The Sequel,” 7 and 9 p.m., HBO. First is a richly entertaining film, winner of the Academy Award for best picture. Then is a documentary: Twelve years ago, “Autism: The Musical” followed five autistic kids as they worked on a show; this new film looks at their lives now, mixing in some scenes from the original.
– Mike Hughes, TV America