It was a couple of years ago when the tabloids were full of headlines about a Cannibal Cop, so much so that you might have believed there was such a thing: a policeman who stalked, killed and ate his victims. But there wasn’t. There was a cop who went online to check out websites, where he engaged in a fantasy of such things. Prosecutors though it was proof of a plan; he said he had no such intentions and there was no concrete evidence to suggest something other than a dark imaginings.
Nevertheless, he was convicted and spent 22 months in jail, before a judge overthrew his conviction. The case of Gilberto Valle is one to ponder: Can you be arrested for what you think of? Erin Lee Carr’s documentary “Thought Crimes: The Case of the Cannibal Cop” (HBO, 9 p.m.), with access to both sides of the question, provides a lot to think about. First there is the meek looking officer, then there are his shocking chat room conversations — horrible stuff, but not so different from the imaginings of the writers behind, say, “The Following” (Fox, 9 p.m.).
The film by the daughter of the recently deceased journalist David Carr provides plenty to consider as law enforcement has unprecedented access to thoughts through our every keystroke or random search engine inquiry.
A new “Independent Lens” (PBS, 10 p.m., check local listings) looks at the crashing style of choreographer Elizabeth Streb and her company. A blend of dance, stunts and acrobatics, the dangerous looking moves of her extreme performance are explored by Caroline Grund’s “Born to Fly: Elizabeth Streb vs. Gravity”
Finales come for “Jane the Virgin” (The CW, 9 p.m.), “Castle” (ABC, 10 p.m.) and “The Originals” (The CW, 8 p.m.).
The final four dance on “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC, 8 p.m.) and nobody involved seems to be a star.
A bunch of biker films roar in on Turner Classic Movies with “The Born Losers” (8 p.m.), “The Wild One” (10 p.m.), “Hell’s Angels on Wheels” (11:30 p.m.), “Easy Rider” (1:30 a.m.), “The Glory Stompers” (3:15 a.m.) and “Devil’s Angels” (4:45 a.m.).
NBA playoff games are Atlanta at Washington (TNT, 7 p.m.) and Golden State at Memphis (TNT, 9:30 p.m.).
No Stanley Cup action tonight.
Baseball includes Atlanta at Cincinnati (ESPN, 7 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Charlize Theron, Tom Brokaw. The View: Martin Sheen, Rachel Smith, Raven-Symone, Lorraine Bracco. The Talk: Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Charlamagne, Daniel Boulud, Beth Stern. Ellen DeGeneres: Scott Foley, Brittany Show. Wendy Williams: Harry Josh, Nick Axelrod. Meredith Vieira: Jordin Sparks, Katie Lowes, Billy Bush, Kit Hoover, the Willis Family. Queen Latifah: Jamie Foxx, Quvenzhane Wallis (rerun).
Late Talk
David Letterman: Howard Stern, Don Rickles. Jimmy Fallon: Charlize Theron, Tom Brokaw, Death Cab for Cutie. Jimmy Kimmel: John Stamos, Michael B. Jordan, Matt & Kim (rerun). Seth Meyers: Louis C.K., Sharon Osbourne, Joy Williams. James Corden: Mark Harmon, Zoe McLellan. Carson Daly: George Miller, Halsey, Solomon Georrgio. Jon Stewart: John Legend. Conan O’Brien: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Nina Dobrev, the Word.