‘Bramwell’ is back; Penn & Teller are up to tricks again; Ving Rhames plays the one and only Don King

Sunday

“Hollywood Aliens and Monsters” / 5 and 9 p.m. A&E;

No doubt the blockbuster earnings of “Men in Black” and “Independence Day” led to the creation of this two-hour retrospective. Hosted by Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill, the program counts down the long line of sci-fi films ranging from the silent “Metropolis” to ‘50s fare such as “The Day the Earth Stood Still” and “War of the Worlds” on to “Star Wars,” “E.T.” and the “Alien” series.

****

“The Third Twin” / 9 p.m. CBS. Concludes Tuesday

Talk about duplication! Here is the season’s second TV movie about cloning. In NBC’s tale, a mother discovered multiple copies of her son. In this two-part CBS yarn, based on a book by Ken Follett, a biologist (Kelly McGillis) uncovers evidence linking a cloning experiment to a genetics company and several high-powered politicians. Jason Gedrick plays the “twin” and silver-tongued Larry Hagman hovers as the heavy.

****

“Masterpiece Theatre” / 9 p.m. KCET

Jemma Redgrave is back to stir up the stuffy British medical establishment in new episodes of “Bramwell.” This is the third season of the well-crafted PBS show in which Redgrave (the niece of Vanessa) portrays Dr. Eleanor Bramwell, an uncompromising physician caring for the poor in Victorian London. In the first of four new hours, Eleanor applies for a part-time position, then ends up with a major promotion at St. Jude’s Hospital, where she meets a 12-year-old prostitute.

Monday

“Convictions” / 9 p.m. Lifetime

Based on actual events, this cable movie concerns an angry mother (Blair Brown, persuasive as ever) still distraught over the death of her son 10 years earlier. Full of hate that is eating away at her physically, Brown’s unyielding Zalinda eloquently argues against the early release of the young man (Cameron Beecroft) who killed him. Deciding to confront him in prison, however, Zalinda slowly alters her rigid stance and offers forgiveness, which in turn vexes her confounded family.

****

“Penn & Teller’s Home Invasion Magic” / 10 p.m. ABC

The mischievous Penn Jillette and his silent partner Teller turn a few tricks in various locales on this hourlong special. Holding court at a mall, Teller removes a ring from inside the stomach of an astonished volunteer. Beyond that, Teller tries to break Harry Houdini’s record for holding his breath underwater as Penn pulls off an intricate card trick. Drew Carey, Kathy Kinney and Christa Miller are also on hand. Rest assured they won’t disappear: ABC needs their ratings!

Wednesday

“The Living Edens” / 8 p.m. KCET

The fourth in a series of PBS specials travels to the Manu Biosphere Reserve, a primordial paradise in Peru. The inhabitants of this hidden rain forest include 13 species of monkeys (more than any other place on the planet), large flocks of multicolored macaws, pig-related peccaries (with intimidating two-inch tusks), 20-pound rodents known as giant otters and the awesome harpy eagle, which can choke a monkey in its 7-inch spread of talons.

Thursday

“Mystery!” / 9 p.m. KCET

A two-part character study, “The Sculptress,” cuts loose with a story about a journalist (Caroline Goodall) writing a book on a knife-wielding woman (Pauline Quirke) who murdered her mother and sister. Quirke’s Olive Martin is an obese convict with an intense deameanor and seemingly no remorse for the shocking crime. But after several visits to the prison, Goodall’s Rosalind Leigh finds herself wondering whether Olive is the real culprit.

Saturday

“Don King: Only in America” / 8 p.m. HBO

In this corner, one of the most powerful--and perhaps least trustworthy men--in boxing. Yes, that big-haired, fast-talking, Machiavellian promoter who had a glove in the title reigns of the greatest--including Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, George Foreman and Mike Tyson. Ving Rhames (“Con Air,” “Rosewood”) plays the title role in this biography, based on a hard-hitting book by investigative journalist Jack Newfield. The film traces King’s rise from the streets of Cleveland to his enormous influence outside the ring.