Global disgrace in Rwanda recapped on PBS

Ten years ago this month, the African nation of Rwanda descended into genocide, leaving more than 800,000 members of the Tutsi tribe slain at the hands of extremists from the Hutu tribe. Despite the magnitude of the slaughter, the United States and the United Nations stood by. “Ghosts of Rwanda” on “Frontline” (8 p.m., PBS) features a chronology of the horrific events as well as interviews with former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan, members of the U.N. peacekeeping forces and survivors of the killing fields.

Two hours in length, “Ghosts” unfolds at a deliberate pace that is rare for television. At the same time, this tale of unspeakable human cruelty and complicated acts of governmental indifference is not easy to watch.

  • Peter Jennings is host of a “PrimeTime” (9 p.m., ABC) report on the proliferation of Ecstasy. According to a national survey, more than 1.4 million people will try the “party” drug sometime in 2004.
  • The scathing, funny show with the unprintable name returns for a second season. Behind it’s expletive-laced outrage, “Penn & Teller: Bull—-!” (9 p.m., Showtime) offers a consistently reasonable look at deceptive fads, absurd trends, and dangerous and hypocritical political movements.

Tonight’s episode offers a thought-provoking indictment of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Tonight’s other highlights

  • Another elimination is promised on “Survivor: All-Stars” (7 p.m., CBS).
  • A pesky reporter winds up on a slab on “Tru Calling” (7 p.m., Fox).
  • A fatal assault at a casino on “CSI” (8 p.m., CBS).
  • Only five remain on “The Apprentice” (8 p.m., NBC).
  • A woman vanishes and her boyfriend and his identical twin fall under suspicion on “Without a Trace” (9 p.m., CBS).

Late night

Liz Phair appears on “Late Show with David Letterman” (10:35 p.m., CBS) … Jay Leno welcomes Selma Blair and Puddle of Mudd on “The Tonight Show” (10:35 p.m., NBC).