What's on TV

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

Richard Rodgers: The Sweetest Sounds (PBS, check local listings): American Masters has outdone itself with this excellent documentary about the man who brought us the tunes for some of the greatest musical theater in our history, the composer of "Blue Moon," "Isn't it Romantic," "Oklahoma," "South Pacific," and much more.

Party Animals (HBO, check local listings, repeat HBO Family, Nov. 6): When a bright 10-year-old, the son of politically involved parents, realized he was bored by politics, he started asking adults why kids should be interested, and videotaped their replies. But young Chaille Stovall didn't just ask his parents and teachers, he went to the politicians. George W. Bush, Jeb Bush, Al Gore, Jimmy Carter, and many other Republicans and Democrats share their thoughts. It's touching to witness the child's surprise when he learns how few Americans bother to vote, while people elsewhere in world are literally dying for democracy.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Special (UPN, 8-9 p.m.): "Once More with Feeling" is a truly classic "Buffy" episode. A demon comes to town and makes everyone in Sunnydale sing and dance their private thoughts, à la "Singin in the Rain" by way of "Phantom of the Opera."

Louis L'Amour's The Diamond of Jeru (USA, 9-11 p.m.): This is only the second of L'Amour's non-westerns to make it to the screen. Written and directed by his son, Beau L'Amour, the action adventure stars Billy Zane as an American jungle guide who saves the lives of a foolish couple in the wilds of Borneo. Fast-paced entertainment with plenty of L'Amour charm.

24 (Fox, 9-10 p.m.): The much anticipated, critically acclaimed counter-terrorist action story is breakthrough storytelling. The series depicts the events of one 24-hour period. Tonight's first hour - set on the eve of the California Primary - unfolds in real time.