1) “NCIS: Origins” and “NCIS,” 8 and 9 p.m., CBS. Put these together and you have a compelling, movie-length tale. The first hour (starting with Mark Harmon as the old Gibbs) takes the team to a small town (shown here) for quick twists, fierce action and a so-so finish. The second makes up for that, brilliantly bridging past and present, with a smart story, dabs of humor and deep pools of emotion.
2) “American Heart in WWI,” 8-10 p.m., PBS. On Veterans Day, here’s an epic Carnegie Hall production. It has a 60-piece orchestra, five talented Broadway singers, a chorus and lawyer/historian John Monsky, weaving stories of soldiers, a pigeon, “Great Gatsby” and more. It’s too melodramatic at times, but the result does pack an impact.
3) More Veterans Day shows. The History Channel focuses from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., including the six-hour “Vietnam in HD” at 10. AMC reruns HBO’s superb “Band of Brothers,” from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. And Turner Classic Movies has a full day, led by “Dirty Dozen” (11:45 a.m. ET), “Sergeant York” (2:30 p.m.) and”The Best Years of Our Lives” (5).
4) “Murder in a Small Town,” 8 p.m., Fox. At the core is a clever scheme that starts with a kidnapping. It’s a good tale as usual, tarnished by the show’s lone flaw — a character (the mayor) who strains credibility and our interest.
5) “Doc,” 9 p.m., Fox. This keeps diving into darker territory. It has the ongoing story of a young doctor who secretly links with her brother to avenge their dad’s death, messing with Amy’s computer and her life. Now this hour adds a brutal story of spouse-abuse. The result is well-made and deeply involving, but a tough ride for viewers.
— Mike Hughes, TV America