How to answer something as devastating as the genocide of World War II? Freed Jews initially went on wildcat acts of revenge against Germany that involved poisoning water supplies.
But there was also a more comprehsisive search for Nazi war criminals especially in Argentina. Because governments were slow to act, many individuals acted on their own to bring Nazi war criminals to justice, or to just shoot them cold (As for the Nuremberg trials, we are reminded, only a fraction of the war criminals were tried).
Candice Bergan narrates the fascinating two hour “Elusive Justice: The Hunt for Nazi War Criminals” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings) in which many surviving elderly witnesses and participants are interviewed, with a remarkable amount of newly-found or recently declassified information.
The new reality series ”Kings of Mayhem” (National Geographic Channel, 9 p.m.) chronicles the efforts of a small group of jousters who hope to turn the sport into something as lucrative as “pro” wrestling. First they have to shake the Renaissance Faire trappings of their sport. The main participants, though, are hilariously dense and short-fused and the series is filmed so that joust fans may enjoy it, but many more will be laughing at this wayward fringe, who seek the thrill of being hit with a jolt they can only compare to a car crash.
Another different kind of conflict: “Storage Wars” (A&E, 10 and 10:30 p.m.) returning for a new season at a time when it plays against two very similar tcompetitors, “Storage Hunters” (truTV, 10 p.m.) and “Auction Hunters” (Spike, 10 p.m.).
When one is cut at the semifinals results night on “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC, 9 p.m.), three will advance to the finals next week. Before then, there’s time to promote the upcoming Muppets movie – a franchise now owned by Disney, which owns ABC.
A former “Dancing” winner, Apolo Anton Ohno, appears instead on the competing “The Biggest Loser” (NBC, 8 p.m.) to encourage the remaining contestants.
Sue gets back into her campaign on a new “Glee” (Fox, 8 p.m.) and Puck goes after Rachel’s mom.
Recent highlights you’ll probably want to see again make up the season finale of “Tosh.0” (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.).
Justin Long guest stars on “New Girl” (Fox, 9 p.m.) where it’s Thanksgiving — as it is on “Raising Hope” (Fox, 9:30 p.m.), where Lee Majors and Shirley Jones guest star as Burt’s visiting parents.
“NCIS” (CBS, 8 p.m.) ends its two part episode with an attempted rescue in Afghanistan.
A consultant and likely inspiration for the series, Marilu Henner now also appears on a new “Unforgettable” (CBS, 10 p.m.).
There’s a cutthroat family game of charades on “Parenthood” (NBC, 10 p.m.).
In college basketball, it’s Duke vs Michigan State (ESPN, 7 p.m.), Florida at Ohio State (ESPN2, 8 p.m.) and Kansas vs. Kentucky (ESPN, 9 p.m.).
The first of four quarterly specials, “AFI’s Master Class – The Art of Collaboration” (TCM, 8 p.m., midnight), spotlighting the collaborative work of Steven Spielberg and composer John Williams over the hears, sandwiches one of the works they did, “Saving Private Ryan” (TCM, 9 p.m.)
Daytime Talk
Regis and Kelly: Donald Trump, Tony Bennett. The View: Bill Maher, Shaquille O’Neal. The Talk: Carrie Fisher, Angela Kinsey, Henry Winkler. Ellen DeGeneres: Amy Adams. Wendy Williams: Richard Simmons, Danny Seo. Rosie O’Donnell: Darrell Hammond.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Bill Maher, Nikki Reed, Drake. Jay Leno: Howie Mandel, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Patrick Stump. Jimmy Kimmel: Patricia Heaton, Christina Perri. Jimmy Fallon: Ben Kingsley, Ashley Greene, Tony Bennett. Craig Ferguson: Ewan McGregor, Jeff Cesario, Paula Poundstone. Tavis Smiley: Amy Waldman, Chris Isaak. Carson Daly: McG, Brian Greene, Mastodon. Jon Stewart: Mark Kelly. Stephen Colbert: Elijah Wood. Conan O’Brien: Jeff Goldblum, Adam Scott, Childish Gambino. Chelsea Handler: Denise Richards, Sarah Colonna, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Liz Carey.