SUNDAY'S MUST-SEE

"The Russell Girl," 8 p.m., CBS. Sarah Russell (Amber Tamblyn) is a smart, young store executive. Beneath that attractive surface are two crises. A health problem has her retreat to her hometown. There, she can't avoid a tragic memory from her teen years. "Russell Girl" waits an hour before explaining the tragedy that split Sarah from her neighbor (Jennifer Ehle). By then, we care about both women. Jeff Bleckner, a double Emmy-winner, directed beautifully. He gets subtle emotional power from a strong cast.

"Breaking Bad," 8 and 9 p.m., AMC. The opener pushed a mild-mannered chemistry teacher (Bryan Cranston) to the breaking point. Then he linked with his worst student and they started a meth lab. They also thought they killed two toughs. Now the second episode is even better than the first. Alternately funny and tragic, it shows two regular guys, trying to improvise big-time crime.

OF NOTE

"Countdown to the Red Carpet: The 2008 SAG Awards," 5 p.m. OCETV/KHON digital 549. Early celebrity arrivals at the awards event. "Live From the Red Carpet," 6 p.m. OCETV/KHON digital 549. Awards event coverage.

"The 14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards," 6 p.m., TBS and TNT. Here are worthy awards, chosen by actors. Charles Durning gets a lifetime award.

"Evening of Stars," 8 p.m., BETP/KHON digital 598. The annual fundraiser for the United Negro College Fund is stuffed with talent. A tribute to Motown great Smokey Robinson, it includes Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Macy Gray, Joss Stone, John Legend and Yolanda Adams.

"Crude," 6 p.m., History Channel. A few generations ago, this documentary says, Pennsylvania was the world's top oil producer. That portion is fascinating, as we see the oil industry evolve. Less interesting is the opening part, which uses great graphics to show how oil is formed.

Masterpiece: "Mansfield Park," 8 p.m., PBS. Billie Piper, a delight in "Doctor Who," stars as Franny Price, a typically plucky Jane Austen heroine. At first, she feels like an outsider in her new home. It's a pleasant story, with strong acting and filming.

"Behind the Great Wall," 7 p.m., Discovery Channel. This film is at its best when showing China's wall and how it was built. It's weaker when visiting military history or trying heavy-handed re-enactments of palace intrigue.