We’ve all known guys with a short fuse. The special “Explorer: Born to Rage” (9 p.m., National Geographic) looks at new research that indicates that our genetic makeup may explain why some folks are mellow and others prone to sudden, impulsive violence.

Henry Rollins, a member of the hardcore punk band Black Flag, knows a bit about violence. Their stage shows were shot through with adrenaline, and his audiences often responded by hitting, kicking and even burning him with cigarettes and lighters. Punk became an outlet for Rollins, who says he has had anger-management issues his entire life. He used to attribute his problems to his parents’ divorce and playground bullying. But perhaps there’s an explanation that transcends environment.

Back in the 1990s, researchers made a link between a single gene mutation and a proclivity for violence, particularly when coupled with a violent childhood and environment. They labeled the mutation the “warrior gene,” and to their surprise, they discovered that one man in three carried the trait.

Over the course of the hour, Rollins meets with men who agree to be tested for the “warrior” gene. They come from some groups widely associated with warrior behavior — street gangs, bikers, Ultimate fighters and Navy Seals, as well as three Buddhist monks who have dedicated their lives to meditation. Like Rollins, you’ll be surprised to learn who is a carrier and who is not.

“Rage” only begins to touch on ethical, legal and moral implications of this research. Will we see a day when we see corporations refuse to hire carriers for fear they might be hotheads? Or see the military or violent-crime organizations cultivate men wired to be “warriors”?

As the thoughtful special makes clear, it’s not a slam dunk for nature versus nurture. But there’s enough in here to make you wonder whether “A Clockwork Orange” should still remain on the fiction shelves.

• Fionnula Flanagan stars in “Three Wise Women” (8 p.m., Hallmark), a 2010 Christmas fantasy shot on location in Flanagan’s native Dublin.

• On a recent “Simpsons” episode opening segment, Bart was seen writing on the blackboard: “‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ is as good as ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas.”‘ You can only imagine what Bart might think of “I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown” (7 p.m., ABC).

Tonight’s other highlights

• “X-Play Best of 2010 Awards” (5 p.m., G4) glances back at the year in gaming.

• On two episodes of “Glee” (Fox), the boys don’t play fair (7 p.m.), Britney Spears (8 p.m.).

• The only witness to a shooting suffers from PTSD on “NCIS: Los Angeles” (8 p.m., CBS).

• A mysterious note may prevent a wrongful execution on “The Good Wife” (9 p.m., CBS).

• An unpopular lawyer is found slain on “Detroit 1-8-7” (9 p.m., ABC).

• “45365” on “Independent Lens” (9 p.m., PBS, check local listings) takes a microscope to a single American town.