TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"Ugly Betty," 7 p.m., ABC. It's a slim accomplishment, but it's something: "Ugly Betty" manages to interest and entertain us, despite an awful plot. All the details of the big-money magazine, we're told, are in one mock-up. When the boss fails to take it home, Betty inexplicably decided she should protect it by taking it with her. Soon, it's missing and everything — including her job — is in jeopardy. This is a ludicrous notion, especially since Betty is supposed to be the smart one. Still, "Ugly Betty" survives on great visuals and buoyant characters. As played by America Ferrera, Betty is likable enough to overcome anything, including this story.

"My Name is Earl," 7 p.m., NBC. It's time for Joy to face the judge on truck-stealing charges. This won't be easy, because she promptly insults her deaf lawyer. Earl has the same trouble dealing with anyone who is different. In this mildly amusing episode, he ends up befriending the people in a circus sideshow.

OF NOTE

"The 40 Hottest Rock Star Girlfriends and Wives," 5 p.m., VH1. Let's check the calendar again. Maybe the last couple decades of male evolution never happened.

"The Office," 7:30 p.m., NBC. Ambition could be a problem for Dwight: Angela persuades him to go after Michael's job.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. Instead of the usual two-story structure, this one involves four cases and five bodies at the morgue.

"Grey's Anatomy," 8 p.m., ABC. Izzie tries to return to the hospital for the first time since she quit the intern program. Meanwhile, Cristina tries to help Burke cope with his hand tremor, which is disastrous for a surgeon.

"Six Degrees," 9 p.m., ABC. In last week's opener, Carlos (Jay Hernandez), the straight-arrow public defender, was fascinated by Mae (Erika Christensen of "Traffic"), the young mystery woman. She snubbed him but now needs his help. Meanwhile, Laura (Hope Davis) gets a tape that may change her image of her late husband.

"ER," 9 p.m., NBC. Here's an intriguing change of pace for the talented John Mahoney. After all those years of playing a conservative ex-cop on "Frasier," he guests here as a drag queen. As his lover hovers near death he must fight the man's family over who can make life-and-death decisions.