L.A. ‘Riot’ re-created for Showtime; ABC special on childhood development; ‘Martin’s’ finale on Fox

Sunday

“Riot” / 8 p.m. Showtme

Fueled by anger, resentment and extreme profanity, this volatile cable drama depicts the civil unrest that devastated Los Angeles in 1992. The film consists of four intertwined stories centering on Asian, Latino, Anglo and African American characters caught up in the looting and violence sparked by the unpopular verdicts in the Rodney King case. Though its dialogue is gratuitously raw, the film has occasional scenes of power and poignancy. Mario Van Peebles, his father Melvin Van Peebles and Cicely Tyson appear in the most effective story, about a family man, his friend and mother, a beautician in the Crenshaw district.

****

“A Match Made in Heaven” / 9 p.m. CBS

Olympia Dukakis earned an Academy Award for her role as Cher’s wry mother in “Moonstruck.” Here she plays Helen Rossi, an ailing Mom determined to find a wife for her son Tom (John Stamos), a divorce lawyer content to remain a bachelor. But being a good guy, Tom agrees to go on a blind date with a nurse (Kelly Rowan). Disastrous as that first date is, Helen refuses to give up on the couple, even though medical tests reveal she does not have long to live.

Monday

“I Am Your Child” / 8 p.m. ABC

Hollywood heavyweights take part in this hourlong special examining the importance of early childhood development. Oscar winner Tom Hanks hosts the show, which was co-written and directed by Rob Reiner, who also serves as executive producer. A significant part of the hour looks at a Virginia community that has invested in educational programs for children and their families. It also illustrates how the first three years of life are the most formative in a child’s emotional, social and intellectual progress. Billy Crystal, Michael J. Fox, Rosie O’Donnell and Robin Williams also make appearances.

****

“The American Experience” / 9 p.m. KCET

The exploits of Nellie Bly are the stuff of legend. In 1877, she improbably landed a job at one of the top newspapers in New York. Two years later, she accomplished the unthinkable. “Around the World in 72 Days” recalls the journey in which Bly circled the globe by jumping cargo ships, trains and tugboats, eclipsing the “record” of 80 days set by the fictional Jules Verne character Phileas T. Fogg. According to her biographer, Bly “seemed to know how to pick the assignment that would put her on center stage.”

Tuesday

“Too Close to Home” / 9 p.m. CBS

There may be no deeper love than that of a mother and son. Unfortunately, the character Judith Light plays in this TV movie is an unstable sort whose love is tantamount to obsession. Light, who advanced from daytime (“One Life to Live”) to prime time (“Who’s the Boss?”), has the pivotal role as Diana, a mother who would murder to maintain possession of son Nick (Rick Schroder), a young fellow understandably eager to be on his own. But no one stands in Mom’s way, least of all a girlfriend (Sarah Trigger).

Wednesday

“The Absolute Truth” / 9 p.m. CBS

Jane Seymour takes a break from “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” to portray Alison Reid, News Woman, in this movie about ethics and ambition. Reid is a seasoned TV producer with a chance to break a big story involving sexual harassment allegations against a presidential candidate (William Devane). To go public, however, means the betrayal of a longtime friend (Linda Purl). By the way, this is one time we can unequivocally state that the star is sleeping with her director. After all, the drama was helmed by James Keach, Seymour’s husband.

****

“Ellen” / 9 p.m. ABC

No more quips about being “Lebanese.” After months of will-she-or-won’t-she speculation, as well as much deliberation on the part of ABC and Disney, Ellen DeGeneres’ title character finally comes out as a lesbian. As most viewers know by now, the long-awaited, one-hour episode finds Ellen Morgan seeing a therapist (Oprah Winfrey) after she is attracted to a woman (Laura Dern). Look for additional cameos by k.d. lang, Melissa Etheridge, Demi Moore, Gina Gershon, Billy Bob Thornton and Dwight Yoakam.

Thursday

“Martin” / 8 p.m. Fox

Goodbye Martin. So long Sheneneh. Farewell Momma Payne. Comic Martin Lawrence is calling it quits after five years on this Fox sitcom. Lawrence, who has had multiple brushes with the law during the latter years of his show’s run, plans to concentrate on a film career. The series, which initially was set at Detroit radio station WZUP, comes to a close with a one-hour finale in which wisecracking Martin Payne and his take-no-guff wife (Tisha Campbell) move to Los Angeles. As a send-off, Martin’s buddies organize a roast in his honor.