TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"Two and a Half Men," 8 p.m., CBS. This show has had great fun linking the fretful Alan with ditzy, young Kandi. They broke up and she moved in with his ex-wife, Judith. Now Alan tries to win Kandi back. New complications appear. Charlie sleeps with Kandi's mom (Gail O'Grady). Judith dates Kandi's dad (Kevin Sorbo of "Hercules" fame).

"American Experience: The Alaska Pipeline," 9 p.m., PBS. When a massive oil field was discovered in Alaska in 1968 companies said it would take four years to build an 800-mile pipeline. It took nine years, more than $8 billion, 78,000 workers, and many side effects. Native Alaskans had waited a century for their land claims to be settled. Now that was worked out quickly. They got 44 million acres and $1 billion. We meet Diane Benson, a Tlingit Indian who spent three years as a pipeline worker. "This was one big adventure," she says. Al Fleming left his teaching job to move north with his wife and four kids. There were no jobs, he says but he bribed his way into one. "It changed my life."

OF NOTE

"American Chopper," 5 p.m., Discovery Channel. The team builds an old-style motorcycle for Billy Joel. Also, we see his collection of vintage choppers.

"Elizabeth I" conclusion, 5 p.m., HBO. The first half of this miniseries took Elizabeth through her perilous war years and her warmth for the Earl of Leicester. As the second half begins, Leicester is dead and the queen (Helen Mirren) is idolized because of the defeat of the Spanish Armada. Her government is strong, however, her relationship with the young Earl of Essex (Hugh Dancy) is shaky. Like Saturday's opener, this is brilliantly acted, despite dialogue that's often too stiff.

"Prison Break," 7 p.m., Fox. In last week's episode, Linc's transport truck was in a road accident. That leaves him — for the moment, at least, free. It probably won't last long. Fortunately his brother has worked out a new escape plan.

"How I Met Your Mother," 7:30 p.m., CBS. Ted is supposed to go to a media banquet for Robin, the object of his affection. Barney wants him to bring a beautiful escort to make Robin jealous.

"24," 8 p.m., Fox. Jack goes after Henderson.

"The New Adventures of Old Christine," 8:30 p.m., CBS. It isn't easy to be the kid who barely got into a rich school. This week Christine tries to give Ritchie a low-budget birthday party. There are repercussions.

"Beautiful People," 9 p.m., ABC Family; preceded by rerun of previous week at 8. The season finale has Karen fretting about the modeling competition. Meanwhile, her mom might have to do the fashion showcase alone.

"What About Brian," 9 p.m., ABC. Poor Brian must help the woman he loves move in with her fiance who is also his best friend.