TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"The Shield," 7 p.m., FX. A strongly crafted drama, directed by Frank Darabont, best known for "Shawshank Redemption" and "The Green Mile." It's quick and taut. Vic now realizes he killed the wrong man in retaliation for Lem's death. He must confront Antwon and, in a fierce scene, Shane.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. This week highlights Chris Meloni, who brings taut control to a good episode, probing a man of shifting identities.

"Independent Lens: The Cats of Mirikitani," 10:30 p.m., PBS. This documentary profiles New York City artist Jimmy Mirikitani, who drew images of cats, internment camps and other pictures while sitting on a SoHo corner.

OF NOTE

"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox. Things get tough now, with the show down to its final four.

"George Lopez," 7 p.m., ABC. Final new episodes of the season. In the first, Edward James Olmos plays the new factory owner; in the second, Jerry Springer plays George's mom's dream lover.

"The Secret Lives of Women" season-opener, 7 p.m., WE. This documentary captures both extremes of modern, American polygamy. Some women describe a cheerful, middle-class alternative; others describe semi-slavery. It's a fascinating subject, but the frantic editing jumps around.

"Nova: Pocahontas Revealed," 8 p.m., PBS. Sunday will mark the 400th anniversary of the day 104 colonists arrived to launch Jamestown, the first successful English colony in the New World. The stories of Chief Powhatan, his daughter Pocahontas and Capt. John Smith have been the stuff of legends and a Disney cartoon. Now archaeologists have discovered the Indian chief's capital.

"Mulan" (1998), Disney Channel and "A League of Their Own" (1992) ABC Family; both 8 p.m. Two first-rate movie choices.

"House," 8 p.m., Fox. A teenager has symptoms that perplex Dr. House.

"Dancing With the Stars," 8 p.m., ABC. Results show, with the field down to one woman celebrity (Laila Ali) and four men.