1) “Independent Lens,” 10-11:30 p.m., PBS. Here is a joyous journey through the world of libraries. We see grand temples in big cities … tiny oases in small towns (an example is shown here) … and a bookmobile roaming Baton Rouge. We hear of crises – tax revolts, segregation, book-banning – and heroes who brought books to everyone from inner-city kids to rural Wisconsinites.
2) “Pati Jinich Explores Panamericana” opener, 9 p.m., PBS. Here is the consummate road trip, spanning three continents. Tonight, Jinich starts in Alaska’s northern-most city and ends at its southern edge. She probes her two favorite subjects – food and ethnic-variations – and finds constant surprises. The journey will continue to southern-most Argentina.
3) “St. Denis Medical” season-finale, 8 p.m., NBC. The extremes of this generally excellent comedy are on display. Joyce, the hospital boss, tends to be over-the-top; now the always-terrific Dr. Ron talks her down. And Alex, the head nurse, often puts her work above her personal life; now they collide.
4) “The Cleaning Lady,” 8 p.m., Fox. This show keeps piling new crises atop Thony, a hard-working doctor, mom and (via fake marriage) cartel wife. Now that hits some dizzying extremes. Credit Thony for having a quick mind … and hope the show can someday give her a break.
5) “Alert: Missing Persons Unit,” 9 p.m., Fox. Amid the grandeur of a revived theater, there’s rage (over a previous fire) and a kidnapping. “Alert” has its usual problems – including a rescuers who seem oddly casual – but also has sharp actors and a solid script.
— Mike Hughes, TV America