Television critic Mike Hughes offers his Tuesday night recommendations:

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"NCIS," 7 P.M., CBS

This show began life as a spin-off from "JAG." Now — in a story that continues next week — it tries to create a spin-off of its own.

When a Marine's body is found, the case escalates to include national security issues. That takes Gibbs and McGee (Mark Harmon and Sean Murray) to Los Angeles, to work with the Office of Special Projects.

That's where the new series would be set. Chris O'Donnell — who has ranged from Robin in two Batman movies to Meredith's love-interest Finn in "Grey's Anatomy" — plays a chameleon type with a knack for switching personalities. LL Cool J — the rapper who had his own comedy, "In the House" — plays a former SEAL; Louise Lombard, who spent three years on "CSI" as Sofia Curtis, also stars.

TONIGHT'S MIGHT-SEE

"FRONTLINE: THE RELEASED," 9 P.M., PBS

What is it like to be free after years of confinement? These documentaries offer opposite portraits.

In past generations, the Ohio men in "The Released" might have remained in mental institutions; now they have freedom — temporarily. They also have access to medication; one man praises a "miracle drug" that bring him sanity ... then soon quits taking it.

Others have similar patterns. "The Released" paints a dark picture of men whose problems persist, whether or not they are free.