‘Two Hands’ tells focused story

Nominated for an Academy Award in the category of documentary short, “Two Hands” (7 p.m., Cinemax) profiles a remarkable talent and poses questions about how little we know about the workings of the human mind and body.

A child prodigy, pianist Leon Fleisher seemed all but washed up by 37 when suddenly and without explanation, two fingers on his right hand curled into a ball. The musical gift that had defined him had been taken away.

Depression followed a ruined marriage and a succession of therapies and remedies from ESP to alcohol. After a long funk, Fleisher discovered and mastered one-handed musical pieces composed for a wealthy piano talent who had lost his right arm in World War I. He became a great conductor and acclaimed teacher.

More recently, a surgery on his wrist and injections involving Botox have given him use of his right hand for the first time in decades.

The true miracle of “Two Hands” is its remarkable economy. “Two Hands” tells a fascinating story, with a beginning, middle and thoughtful end and clocks in at under 16 minutes.

Now in their lucky 13th year, the X Games debut tonight (6 p.m., ESPN). More than 14 hours of X Games coverage will be broadcast through Sunday on ESPN, ABC and ESPN2.

Other highlights

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An emotional blizzard moves into town on “Ugly Betty” (8 p.m., ABC).

Liz clicks with a handsome stranger on “30 Rock” (8:30 p.m., NBC).

Michael lectures at Ryan’s business school on “The Office” (9 p.m., NBC).

Four murders unfold from the victims’ perspectives on “CSI” (9 p.m., CBS).

The contestants dwindle from eight to six on “So You Think You Can Dance” (9 p.m., Fox).

The contestants face their first supervillain on “Who Wants to be a Superhero?” (9 p.m., Sci Fi).

Sneaky Pete returns from his honeymoon on “Mad Men” (10 p.m., AMC).

Craig David, James Morrison and Dave Matthews appear on “Live From Abbey Road” (10 p.m., Sundance).

Our host takes on the manipulative powers of three used car salesmen on “Mind Control with Derren Brown” (10 p.m., Sci Fi).

Blingstyles of the crass and tasteless on “Cribs” (10:30 p.m., MTV).