"A Man Who Became Pope," 5 p.m., Hallmark Channel. In any other context, this new film might be dismissed as mere melodrama. The hero and his friends are soaring and flawless; the villains are seething and cruel. Still, this is no ordinary story. The hero is Karol Wojtyla, the man who became Pope John Paul II. Even those who disputed his doctrine admired his character. The villains include a Nazi general and an anti-Catholic official from Russia. Maybe this is the proper time for melodrama. And this film — shot mainly in Poland and dubbed into English — offers strong portraits. The heroes are wonderfully attractive and human. Especially good are Piotr Adamczyk in the title role. These are great-looking actors, playing great-behaving people. Surrounded by cruelty and repression, they offer a refreshing vision of idealism and honor.

OF NOTE

"LazyTown's New Superhero," 5 p.m., Nickelodeon. Created by Icelandic sports star Magnus Scheving, the "LazyTown" series (7:30 a.m. weekdays) is surprisingly enjoyable. It mixes computer animation with live action to tell the story of superhero Sportacus (Scheving) and his protege (Julianna Rose Mauriello.) In this charming special, the kids persuade Sportacus to take a vacation; trouble looms.

"Remember the Titans" (2000), 7 p.m., ABC. Based loosely on a true story from the early 1970s, Denzel Washington plays the new football coach at what had been an all-white school. At times, it's hard to decide if his character is toughly heroic or just another sadist, turning a game into an ordeal. Still, there are some richly emotional moments in a passionate story.

"King of Queens," 7 p.m., CBS. Carrie (Leah Remini) frets as her 35th birthday nears. Meanwhile, her dad (Jerry Stiller) seeks the perfect present for her.

"Medium," 9 p.m., NBC. Chad Lowe plays a pilot who is in Allison's dream — then appears in real life, saying his wife is missing.