What's on TV

The following are not necessarily recommended by the Monitor. All times Eastern, check local listings.

Sunday 6/17

Heroes of Iwo Jima (A&E, 9-11 p.m.): We've all seen it. One of the most reproduced photographs in the world features six American Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima. Taken by AP photographer Joe Rosenthal, the image fired the imagination of the American people. This poignant documentary tells the story of not only that flag-raising, but another, less well-known photo from a few hours earlier.

Croc Week (Discovery, June 17-23, 8-10 p.m.): For those of you who have not yet seen Steve Irwin in action, the animal behaviorist who grew up in an Australian Zoo is bigger than life and brave beyond belief. This expert warns children not to handle wild creatures, though he does so with professional zeal. "I love animals," he says simply. And that love comes through.

Monday 6/18

Queen Victoria's Empire (PBS, Parts 1, 2, 9-11 p.m., Parts 3, 4 June 25): Some illusions are sure to be shattered by this brilliant, earnest, and even subversive documentary about the dear old lady who ruled over a vast empire. She started so well - and then her husband died and with him, the queen's good sense. Empire building is such a ruthless affair. This is surely one of the best choices this week.

Tuesday 6/19

Go Fish (NBC, back-to-back episodes, 8-9 p.m.): Kieran Culkin stars as a high school freshman with a plan. It's not too bright (neither the plan nor the show), and there are plenty of crude, unfunny jokes. But the young stars are endearing, and Andy Dick - as a talentless acting teacher - is always good for a chuckle.

(c) Copyright 2001. The Christian Science Monitor