Gay bashing reveals a mom’s love on Lifetime; TBS’ whale time; Elvis meets Nixon on Showtime

Sunday

“Diving With the Great Whales” / 6 p.m. TBS

While Discovery scours the oceans for sharks, TBS goes in search of humpback whales, one of the species’ most active creatures. Filmmaker Mitsuaki Iwago documents their feeding (a foraging effort of 12 whales known as “bubble netting”) and “breeching,” the awesome act in which they leap out of the water (some observers think it’s done to remove parasites) and come crashing back to the surface.

****

“Elvis Meets Nixon” / 9 p.m. Showtime

On the most bizarre weekend of his life in 1970, the king of rock ‘n’ roll donned a purple caped suit, went out alone in public for the first time, flew from Memphis to D.C., L.A. and then back to D.C., ending up shaking hands in the Oval Office with Tricky Dick, all in a bid to be a U.S. marshal for drug enforcement. Meanwhile, the chief executive surreptitiously compiles an enemies list (topped by Paul Newman and Jane Fonda) and swears like a sailor. Rick Peters and Bob Gunton give over-the-top performances as the leads.

Monday

“The View” / 10 a.m. ABC

Varied points of view are supplied in this news and information show bringing together women of different ages, backgrounds and experiences. Meredith Vieira of prime time’s “Turning Point” moderates the weekday discussions from New York featuring prosecutor-turned commentator Star Jones and twentysomething Debbie Matenopoulos. Executive producer Barbara Walters and comic Joy Behar will split appearances throughout the week.

****

“Any Mother’s Son” / 9 p.m. Lifetime

When Dorothy Hajdys bids farewell to her son, a petty Naval officer embarking on a tour of duty in Japan, little does she know it’s the last time she will see him. Bonnie Bedelia gives a poignant, emotionally wrenching performance in this exceptional, fact-based drama dealing with gay bashing, murder and deception. A splendid cast, which includes Hedy Burress, Sada Thompson and Paul Popowich, and a thoughtful, intelligent script by Bruce Harmon make this one of the year’s finest TV movies.

****

“Elvis Week II” / 9 p.m. VH1

“Elvis Remembered” / Friday 9 p.m. TNT

There’s a whole lotta pelvis-shakin’ going on in the music video channel’s second weeklong salute to Presley. First up: the new “Elvis Lives” (featuring archivists who have found lost recordings) and producer Andrew Solt’s “Elvis From the Waist Up,” a compilation of home movies and vintage TV clips at 10 p.m. with Milton Berle, Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan. On Friday, TNT launches a 30-hour marathon marking the 20-year anniversary of the rocker’s demise. It begins with 1965’s sappy “Girl Happy” and ends with the appealing 1970 documentary “Elvis: That’s the Way It Is.” Thank you very much.

Tuesday

“Fleetwood Mac: The Dance” / 10 p.m. MTV

It’s no Rumour. Co-founders Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks reunite for their first full-length concert in 15 years. The 90-minute special meshes new material with fresh arrangements of oldies such as “The Chain” and “Say You Love Me” plus “Silver Springs,” the rarely heard B-side of “Go Your Own Way” written by Nicks. And the quintet sings acoustic versions of “Big Love” and “Landslide” before closing the show with “Tusk” featuring the USC Marching Band.

Wednesday

“South Park” / 10 p.m. Comedy Central

Those who saw the recent piece in Newsweek realize the buzz has begun for this new animated series based on a coarse cartoon about four boys with foul mouths. Deceptively innocent in their looks, saucer-eyed Stan, Kyle, Kenny and Cartman casually converse in the raw manner we’ve come to expect on “NYPD Blue.” In the opener, there are also running gags about flaming flatulence, vomit and anal probes (placed by friendly aliens, no less). Essentially, there’s a fine line between good taste and good humor, and this show leaps over it.