Academy Award winner Kathy Bates (“Misery”) directs and stars in “Ambulance Girl” (8 p.m., Lifetime), an intelligent if flawed drama about a middle-aged woman who challenges her inner demons and becomes a happier and more fulfilled person, only to discover that her healthy changes may imperil her not-so-stable marriage. It also happens to be based on a true story by Jane Stern, half of the best-selling writing team of Jane and Michael Stern.

For three decades, the Sterns have written acclaimed books about food, roadside America and popular culture. But Michael’s (Robin Thomas) recent recovery from alcoholism and his frequent attendance at AA meetings makes Jane (Bates) feel alone and depressed. She had grown used to (dare we say co-dependent?) on his weakness, and her role as his caregiver had consumed and defined her life.

Unlike most Lifetime movies that focus on a woman wronged or a divorced wife getting her groove back, “Ambulance” tries to show how a couple struggles to save a lifelong friendship and a 30-year marriage.

Tonight’s other highlights

¢ A major news organization receives a videotape threatening a local shopping mall with a bioweapons attack. Do they broadcast it? Turn it over to Homeland Security? “In the Balance” (9 p.m., PBS) examines journalistic judgment calls in the time of terrorism.

¢ The new series “Cash in the Attic” (7 p.m., HGTV) offers practical tips on converting your clutter into income.

¢ An etiquette teacher changes places with a woman who doesn’t know the meaning of the word “discipline” on the second-season opener of “Wife Swap” (7 p.m., ABC).

¢ The Falcons host the Eagles on “Monday Night Football” (8 p.m., ABC).

¢ Michael’s tattoos attract attention on “Prison Break” (8 p.m., Fox).

¢ Horatio confronts his long-lost brother on “CSI: Miami” (9 p.m., CBS).