Heroism is a big word. It may be disarming an IED in Iraq or facing a disease with dignity; perhaps calmly landing a failing aircraft or sending water and medicine to Africa. Heroism is not often defined as simply showing up for school, but after watching Precious: Based on the Novel by Sapphire, it needs to be added to the list.

What's worth your time this TV season? Here are a few picks.

American Idol: There is a reason this is the most watched show on TV. Aside from the fun of watching self-deluded posers and snarky judges, there is something true, good, and beautiful about the thrill that runs up our spine when a nobody belts out an amazing performance. Plus, it gives us something to discuss with both our children and our co-workers. Tuesdays at 8 eastern on Fox.

As HBO prepares to premiere "The Trials of Ted Haggard," a documentary about the fallout from the former pastor's 2006 sex and drug scandal, new accusations have surfaced. Grant Haas, a former volunteer at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colo., where Haggard was pastor, revealed earlier this week that Haggard performed a sex act in front of him in a hotel room in 2006 and sent him thousands of explicit text messages.

Doubt, an excellent big-screen adaptation of a Broadway play by John Patrick Shanley, starts with three familiar figures: a kind Catholic priest, a harsh intolerant nun, and a trusting young nun. However, these characters are challenged and developed so richly that, by the end, the audience doubts its initial impressions. The priest's kindness may be merely a sinister front. The nun's inflexibility is revealed as, perhaps, compassion in action. And the young nun's trust is traded for something more complex: the beginnings of understanding of human nature.

The Tale of Despereaux is a sweet little fairy tale about a brave mouse and the distraught kingdom that needs him. Sincere and kind, but provocative enough to engross adults, the film breaks the mold of normal family entertainment. Gone are the wisecracking sidekicks, evil villains, and adult jokes. Instead, we see a story about wounded people hurting others, then finding redemption and reconciliation. The animated movie (rated G) is an adaptation of Kate DiCamillo's popular children's book.

There may come a day in an Obama presidency when the new president wishes for a man like 24's super-agent Jack Bauer. The former CTU agent, with his preternatural stamina and his miraculous aim, always manages to be one half-step ahead of thugs and terrorists. In 24:Redemption, Jack comes back to kick off another intense, very long day in a two-hour TV movie that airs Nov. 23 on Fox, and which sets the stage for season 7. Like previous seasons, the seventh season will cover one day in Bauer's exciting life, with each hour-long episode happening in real time.