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SUNDAY

Kurt Vonnegut's

Harrison Bergeron (Showtime, 8-9:30 p.m.): Everyone is equal - or had better be if they know what's good for them - in this dark social satire set in the year 2053.

The program is an original dramatized version of the Vonnegut short story from his renowned work "Welcome to the Monkey House." Showtime scripted seven other stories - not including "Harrison Bergeron" - from that book in an award-winning series that premiered in 1991. This newly dramatized tale takes place after a second American Revolution. Mediocrity is the order of the day. The government maintains perfect equality by making everyone wear electronic headbands that block any thoughts that are intelligent or - heaven forbid - original.

The title character displays some of this forbidden brilliance and is eventually ordered to have corrective brain surgery to achieve equality.

As it progresses, the plot poses a moral problem for Harrison, played by Sean Astin, with a typical Vonnegut twist.

Miranda de Pencier portrays a girl Harrison meets and Christopher Plummer is a chief administrator.

MONDAY

Lawns & Gardens

With Jerry Baker (PBS, 9:30-10:30 p.m.): Homespun tricks and tried-and-true tips are offered by this popular gardening guru in PBS specials that pop up from time to time. In "Houseplants" - two new shows scheduled back to back - Baker explains the right way to transplant growing things, to select the right pot, and to make those recalcitrant plants that simply will not bloom flower nicely. Baker delivers his pointers with a down-home humor as he deals with light, soil, and other basics.

In "Fall Cleanup" - let's face it, the task is not far off - Baker offers a step-by-step plan that deals with things like removing thatch, aeration, weeds, and disease control - to put your lawn to bed for the winter and ensure some nice green next spring.

Please check local listings for these programs.