“Law & Order” is not the only NBC drama to feature “ripped from the headlines” stories. Tonight’s “ER” (9 p.m., NBC) has Pratt (Mekhi Phifer) and Carter (Noah Wyle) trying to save lives in the civil war-torn Darfur region of the Sudan.

For some years now, the nations of the world have been condemning the actions in Darfur as a modern genocide. Words have come more quickly than action, and on Sunday a major protest took place in Washington with speakers including George Clooney, who used to star on a show called “ER.”

On tonight’s drama, Pratt is simply staggered by the number of patients needing care. Carter and Dakarai (guest star Eamonn Walker, “OZ”) treat a sheik’s gunshot wound but find themselves in the center of trouble when government officials come to arrest him. Meanwhile, the sheik’s pregnant wife has complications that require Pratt and Dakarai to travel to a local hospital in an area controlled by Janjaweed militants, the rebels accused of genocidal killings.

Hollywood’s embrace of causes can result in a backlash. While many stars have championed energy efficiency by riding bikes and driving hybrid vehicles, some see this as symbolic grandstanding from celebrities who travel frequently in limousines and private jets. So, shows like tonight’s “ER” can certainly try to raise awareness of serious issues, including Darfur. But whether viewers see them as consciousness-raising efforts or feel-good political propaganda is probably in the eye of the beholder.

Tonight’s other highlights

¢ Jeff Probst hosts “Survivor Panama: Exile Island” (7 p.m., CBS).

¢ On two episodes of “American Inventor” (ABC), Peter’s choice (7 p.m.), Doug mentors three contestants (8 p.m.).

¢ Chris’s cookie sale lands him in the slammer on “Everybody Hates Chris” (7 p.m., UPN).

¢ On two episodes of “My Name is Earl” (NBC), a sad case (Adam Goldberg) needs a reason to live (7:30 p.m.), Earl seeks out a former crush he once shot with a BB gun (8 p.m.).

¢ A wealthy gambler deals his last hand on “CSI” (8 p.m., CBS).

¢ Sandy’s local award does not shield him from suspicion on “The O.C.” (8 p.m., Fox).

¢ The boys must save Dad from Meg on the season finale of “Supernatural” (8 p.m., WB).

¢ Michael tries to become a conflict-resolution manager on “The Office” (8:30 p.m., NBC).

¢ A widower and two teenage sons vanish, leaving a bloody house behind on “Without a Trace” (9 p.m., CBS).

¢ Scheduled on “Primetime” (9 p.m., ABC): a camping nightmare; interviews with Mary Cheney and David Blaine.