Ann Richards was just a state treasurer when she made the speech of her life, a raucous, indelible keynote at the 1988 Democratic convention in which she memorably declared George H.W. Bush “was born with a silver foot in his mouth.”
Two years later she was running for governor of Texas. In the fawning documentary biography “All About Ann: Governor Richards of the Lone Star State” (HBO, 9 p.m.) filmmakers Keith Patterson and Phillip Schopper note that she was aided by one of the worst good old boy candidates running as her Republican opposition. Clayton Wilson was the millionaire who said “Rape’s like the weather. If it’s inevitable, lay back and enjoy it.” His poll numbers dropped when he was filmed refusing to shake hands with Richards.
Richards term as governor was nearly as successful as her stint as treasurer, when she streamlined operations and saved the state millions. She overhauled drug and alcohol treatment programs in the prison and appointed a number of women to key positions. But in her re-election campaign she ran up against George W. Bush, perhaps seeking revenge for that “foot in his mouth” jibe at his father. She was an in-demand speaker since being voted out of office, right up until she died in 2006 at 73.
“All About Ann” is a loving tribute to the politician at a time when women are still trying to be taken seriously as candidates in Texas.
“Fish Tank Kings” (Nat Geo Wild, 9 .m.) begins a new season, turning a second-flood office space into South Florida’s largest privately owned fish tank.
The season’s three storylines converge for the second season finale of “The Following” (Fox, 9 p.m.), whose makers promise the cliffhanger will be less bloody than last year, but no less thought provoking.
Caroline and Max go to the track on “2 Broke Girls” (CBS, 8 p.m.).
It’s an even 10 competing on “The Voice” (NBC, 8 p.m.) in their second live show for viewer votes.
Susan Sarandon guest stars on “Mike & Molly” (CBS, 9 p.m.).
A professional skateboarder is shot on a new “Castle” (ABC, 10 p.m.).
“Bates Motel” (A&E, 10 p.m.) should really be on an episode of “Hotel Impossible” (Travel, 10 p.m.).
Hillbilly car culture is explored in “Rebel Road” (Discovery, 10 p.m.), in which four teams compete to build cars for a cash prize.
Latin dances are the style on “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC, 8 p.m.) an no less an authority than Ricky Martin will be guest judge.
Robert Mitchum is star on Turner Classic Movies tonight, with three of his films, “The Sundowners” (8 p.m.), “The Wonderful Country” (10:30 p.m.), “The Racket” (12:15 a.m.), “Ryan’s Daughter” (2 a.m.) and “Angel Face” (5:30 a.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Andrew Garfield, Nicole Murphy, C.J. Harris. The View: Sofia Vergara, Jim Gaffigan, T.J. Holmes. The Talk: Wendi McLendon-Covey, Jeff Garlin, Diana Madison, Fabio Vivanti. Ellen De Generes: LL Cool J, Amy Purdy & Derek Hough. Wendy Williams: Dominque Ansel, Monifah Carter.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Joel McHale, Vera Farmiga, Aloe Blacc. Jimmy Fallon: Emma Stone, Robinson Cano, Keith Urban. Jimmy Kimmel: Jennifer Lopez, Elisabeth Moss, Sleepy Man Banjo Boys. Seth Meyers: Daniel Radcliffe, Jessica St. Clair, Lennon Parham, Twenty One Piots. Craig Ferguson: LL Cool J, Candice Accola. Carson Daly: Lennon Parham, Jessica St. Clair, Blue Ruin. Tavis Smiley: Mikhail Baryshnikov. Jon Stewart: Mookie Wilson. Stephen Colbert: Michael McFaul. Arsenio Hall: Ray ROmano, Future. Conan O’Brien: Chelsea Handler, Hugh Dancy, Christela Alonzo. Chelsea Handler: Giuliana & Bill Rancic, Ron Funches, Jen Kirkman, Brad Wollack. Pete Holmes: Jessica St. Clair, Lennon Parham.