TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"The Shield" return, 7 p.m., FX. Two great actors — Oscar-winner Forest Whitaker and Emmy-winner Michael Chiklis — collide in a passionate story line that peaks next week. Lt. Vic Mackey (Chiklis) is intent on learning who killed his colleague, Lem. Lt. Jon Kavanaugh (Whitaker) is just as obsessed with proving Mackey is corrupt. That's complicated by the fact that he really is corrupt — but not as badly as Kavanaugh assumes. It's also complicated by the fact that Chiklis is going after the wrong guy for Lem's murder. Meanwhile, Shane (Walter Goggins) is crumbling emotionally, and Wyms (CCH Pounder) is having a tough time as captain. This is a powerful drama, intelligently written and intensely played.

"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox. The show leaps generations going from last week's Gwen Stefani, 37, to Tony Bennett, 80. That may make it easier. Last week, contestants stumbled over complex songs; Chris Sligh was ousted. This week may bring a return to simple, melodic tunes that show off the singer.

OF NOTE

"NCIS," 7 p.m., CBS. A tip about terrorism turns out to be a setup that leaves two people dead. Jessica Steen, the talented Canadian who has starred in "Homefront" and "Earth 2," guests as an agent helping with the probe.

"The George Lopez Show," 7 p.m., ABC. In a rerun, Veronica (Aimee Garcia), 20, has inherited a lot of money. She can't get it, however, until George says she's responsible enough.

"According to Jim," 7:30 p.m., ABC. Jim in anger management? He tries in this rerun, but realizes he really prefers getting even.

"Tori & Dean: Inn Love," 7:30 p.m., Oxygen. Tori Spelling and her husband, Dean McDermott, have decided to buy a bed-and-breakfast in the little village of Fallbrook. Now they must adjust to small-town life.

"Dancing With the Stars," 8 p.m., ABC. It's time for the second team to be ousted.

"House," 8 p.m., Fox. When a pregnant 42-year-old has a stroke, there are arguments about a possible abortion. Meanwhile, House uncharacteristically wants a vacation. And the new hobby of Chase and Cameron (sex, uncomplicated by emotion) is getting noticed.

"Law & Order: Criminal Intent," 8 p.m., NBC. A murder case leads police to the deaf community, where there are strong disagreements about cochlear implants.

"Nova: Kings of Camouflage," 8 p.m., PBS. This documentary looks at the cuttlefish.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. What is the responsibility of parents when a teenager dies after a drinking party? Stabler asks his teen daughter to help navigate the Internet and find an upcoming party.

"Boston Legal," 9 p.m., ABC. A bitter man forces the firm to revive a long-ago case.