It’s an odd coincidence that Alexandra Pelosi’s new documentary “Fall to Grace” (HBO, 8 p.m.), about the new life of former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey, is running in a week when the Supreme Court is hearing arguments on two cases of marriage equality for gays.
While the Court struggles to appear to be in the 21st century, the rest of the country seems much more attuned to gay rights. But nine years ago, when McGreevey announced he was gay, there was no question but that he had to quit office as well. Of course there was that whole mess with his wife and his lover on the payroll.
After some soul searching, he has found a new role, helping female inmates as he gets on a path to become a priest. It’s a laudable career path, and it’s apparent he does some real good inside the jails, where the prisoners are by and large forgotten. He seems so articulate and well versed on issues, it’s a shame, though, that he’s no longer shaping policy.
The church is skeptical of making him a priest — in part because of the spotlight he brings with him. But his redefinition of himself is inspirational.
The one hour season finale of “Raising Hope” (Fox, 9 pm.) features both an older version of Cloris Leachman and some information for Burt from his parents, played by Shirley Jones and Lee Majors: he’s Jewish.
The Sweet 16 teams left in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament begin their play, now only on two networks, and at night rather than 12 hours a day. So there’s slightly less Madness to your march to the final four. Tonight’s games are Marquette vs. Miami (CBS, 7:15 p.m.), Arizona vs. Ohio State (TBS, 7:47 p.m.), Syracuse vs. Indiana (CBS, 9:45 p.m.) and La Salle vs. Wichita State (TBS, 10:17 p.m.).
OneRepublic sings with onetime runner-up Katharine McPhee on an “American Idol” (Fox, 8 p.m.) results show. Also, judge Keith Urban will be coaxed out of his chair to perform. There may also be some terrible group Motown number before someone is deservedly sent home.
It may be timely or out of date when “Archer” (FX, 10 p.m.) travels to Italy to try and prevent an assassination attempt on the pope.
The three hour “Jesus: Rise to Power” (National Geographic, 8 p.m.) makes it should as if he were a politician.
Artwork at the Guggenheim is meant to inspire new designs on prints for the contestants of “Project Runway” (Lifetime, 9 p.m.).
Olivia is enlisted to help Hollis Doyle recover his kidnapped daughter on “Scandal” (ABC, 10 p.m.).
“Big Rig Bounty Hunters” (History, 10 p.m.) go after a stolen beer truck .. and history, of course.
“1600 Penn” (NBC, 9:30 p.m.) tries to bring sexy back to the White House.
Elena runs into Elijah in a small Pennsylvania town on “The Vampire Diaries” (The CW, 8 p.m.).
Sarah Chalke pops up on a new “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC, 9 p.m.), a week before her new ABC comedy premieres.
A half hour “Freakshow” (AMC, 9:30 p.m.) is the place to meet the Half Man, Jesse.
“The This Old House Hour” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings) reaches its 11th season finale.
The films of director Martin Ritt are featured on Turner Classic Movies with “Edge of the City” (8 p.m.), “Norma Rae” (9:30 p.m.), “Sounder” (11:30 p.m.), “The Front” (1:30 a.m.) and “The Outrage” (3:15 a.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Jeremy Piven, Blake Shelton, Maria Menounos. The View: Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, Daphne Oz, Mario Cantone. The Talk: Lily Tomlin, Caroline Manzo, Wayne Brady. Ellen DeGeneres: Emma Stone, Common (rerun).
Late Talk
David Letterman: Sylvester Stallone, Al Gore (rerun). Jay Leno: Kim Kardashian, Willie Geist, Imagine Dragons. Jimmy Kimmel: Dwayne Johnson, Saoirse Ronan, Kendrick Lamar. Jimmy Fallon: Tyler Perry, Nick Offerman, Thom Filicia, Blake Shelton. Craig Ferguson: Betty White, Morena Baccarin (rerun). Carson Daly: David Duchovony, Derek Clanfrance, Gold Fields. Tavis Smiley: Emmy Rossum. Jon Stewart: Denise Kiernan. Stephen Colbert: Dr. Robert Lustig. Conan O’Brien: Ricky Gervais, Deepak, Chopra, Imagine Dragons (rerun). Chelsea Handler: Gerard Butler, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Heather McDonald, Matt Braunger (rerun).