When Proposition 8 unexpectedly passed in California, denying same-sex couples the right to marriage that they had enjoyed for a couple of years, it was not only the basis of a vigorous appeal that went all the way to the Supreme Court, it was a natural subject for a documentary film. So they were launched simultaneously, from the same office,
That means the two gay couples chosen as plaintiffs were cast as rigorously as if in a film, with perfect unions nobody could deny. In fact, their legal defense team seemed in many ways more of a a surprising match, uniting David Boies and Ted Olson, the lawyers who argued against one another in the century’s biggest Supreme Court case, Bush v. Gore, that determined a presidency.
“The Case Against 8” (HBO, 9 p.m.) is an uplifting and informative look at an important decision that affected millions, with an insiders look at the process of making a case. That none of the courtroom action could be filmed meant that practice sessions were, or in less effective segments, transcripts were read by the participants later. At a length that starts to be as exhausting as the process itself, the film would have been aided a bit by having at least some of the other side’s thinking presented, if only to know what they were up against. They probably weren’t up for talking with a film company working out of the opposition’s office, but still there must have been some way to reflect their objections just to make the whole case clearer. Still, it has a you-are-there feel in a case, decided a year ago this week, that will likely stand as historic.
A much more personal story is told in Jason DaSilva’s “When I Walk,” in which the young filmmaker confronts his own advancing multiple sclerosis by making a film about it. It’s an engrossing, heartbreaking yet heartening film that starts the 27th season of “POV” (PBS, 10 p.m., check local listings).
A new 10-part documentary series, “Operation Change” (OWN, 10 p.m.), pairs celebrities with the Starkey Hearing Foundation to improve lives in poor corners of the country starting tonight in Haiti, where fashion’s Donna Karan and actres aria Bello take a trip. Future participants include Bill Clinton, Richard Branson, Elton John, Harry Connick Jr. and the Dali Lama.
“CeeLo Green’s The Good Life” (TBS, 10:30 p.m.) is the kind of reality show that is more scripted than most. It purports to show his life with the Goodie Mob, his group before he became a more famous solo artist and game show
For those who need a refresher — a dome fell on the city! — here’s the recap “Under the Dome: Inside Chester’s Mill” (CBS, 10 p.m.) that shows a preview of the new season.
“Teen Wolf” (MTV, 10 p.m.) enters its fourth season on a roll. Its fans report that it has been improving.
Chloe has had to work at a pub the past couple of hours on “24: Live Another Day” (Fox, 9 p.m.). Today she steps it up as she joins Jack’s mission. But who is the new president?
World Cup Games today have Australia vs. Spain (ESPN2, noon), Netherlands vs. Chili (ESPN, noon), Cameroon vs. Brazil (ESPN2, 4 p.m.) and, at the same time, Croatia vs. Mexico (ESPN, 4 p.m.).
Two more hours of “American Ninja Warrior” (NBC, 9 p.m.), meanwhile, make it to broadcast TV.
The lie detector test makes its debut on “The Bachelorette” (ABC, 8 p.m.), amid a trip to Italy for the eight remaining bachelors. It may be the first use of a polygraph on a network dating show since “Meet My Folks.” I hope they use the same expert from that show conducting the tests.
A woman with 47 dogs and cats qualifies for “Hoarders” (Lifetime, 9 p.m.).
The 17 remaining contestants have to cook for a beachfront wedding on “MasterChef” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
Leonardo DeCaprio abounds, in “Shutter Island” (AMC, 8 p.m.) and “The Great Gatsby” (Cinemax, 8:30 p.m.).
The world of burlesque is explored on Turner Classic Movies with “Dance, Girl, Dance” (8 p.m.), “The Night They Raided Minsky’s” (9:45 p.m.), “Doll Face” (11:30 p.m.), “Gypsy” (1 a.m.) and “She’s Working Her Way Through College” (3:45 a.m.).
Monday night baseball has Washington at Milwaukee (ESPN2, 8 p.m.).
In the College World Series finals, it’s Vanderbilt vs. Virginia (ESPN, 8 p.m.) in Game 1.
Daytime Talk
Kelly & Michael: Adam Levine, Joe Manganiello, Beth Behrs. The View: Bill Maher, Tai Beauchamp, Carolina Bermudez. The Talk: Curtis Stone, Marie Osmond. Ellen DeGeneres: Pink, Zendaya (rerun). Wendy Williams: Marlon Wayans.
Late Talk
David Letterman: Adam Levine, Gen. Frank J. Grass, Broken Bells. Jimmy Fallon: Brian Williams, Christina Hendricks, Ilan Hall (rerun). Jimmy Kimmel: Zach Braff, Jenna Dewan Tatum, St. Paul and the Broken Bones. Seth Meyers: Hugh Jackman, Kevin Nealon, Ali Wong (rerun). Craig Ferguson: Kathy Bates, Joel Stein. Carson Daly: Bret McKenzie, Jenny O, Michael Malice (rerun).Tavis Smiley: Jennifer Lee, John Lloyd Young. Jon Stewart: Bill Maher. Stephen Colbert: John Green. Arsenio Hall: Eddie Murphy, Flo Rida (rerun). Conan O’Brien: Ice-T, Whitney Cummings, Body Count. Chelsea Handler: Kevin Hart, John Caparulo, Jenny Mollen, Sarah Colonna.