Television critic Mike Hughes recommends shows to get you through the weekend.

FRIDAY MUST SEES: 'MISTRESSES,' 'FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS'

"Mistresses," 3 p.m., BBC America. Repeats at 6 and 8.

Last week's episode (rerunning at 2, 5 and 7 p.m.) nudged all four women deeper into crises.

Trudi began to suspect that a stranger is telling the truth; her husband was having an affair before he was killed in the World Trade Center attacks. Katie began an affair with a young man who doesn't realize his late father was also her lover. Siobhan learned that she's pregnant -- but probably not from her husband.

Then there was Jessica, jolted by her first lesbian affair. She got drunk at her lover's wedding and went home with a stranger.

All of this sounds like overheated soap opera, but it's not. Four talented actresses breathe life into intelligent women who are worth caring about.

Tonight's hour starts with Trudi crumbling, ends with Katie making a key choice. In between, Siobhan frets and Jessica bumbles. Deep emotions flash before us.

"Friday Night Lights," 8 p.m., NBC.

The females of Dillon, Texas, have lots of guy troubles tonight. Tyra Collette sees the flip side of Cash, the rodeo star she ran off with. Her sister Mindy rages at the ultimatum from her fiance, Billy Riggins. And Lyla Garrity fumes when Tim Riggins (Billy's brother) keeps blowing his chance for a college scholarship.

All of those peak tonight, creating strong moments late in the hour. Also, there's football; the state play-offs begin, with the Panthers on national TV.

SATURDAY'S MUST SEES: 'DANCING WITH THE STARS,' 'CASTLE,' YOU'RE WELCOME AMERICA'

"Dancing With the Stars," 7 p.m., and "Castle," 9 p.m., ABC. An entire night is time-shifted, as ABC repeats its Monday line-up. First is the "Dancing With the Stars" opener, which replaces two injured stars. Jewel is replaced by Holly Madison, whose fame comes from being one of Hugh Hefner's girlfriends on the reality show "The Girls Next Door." Nancy O'Dell is replaced by Melissa Rycroft, who was jolted on "The Bachelor": Jason Mesnick proposed to her, then changed his mind six weeks later and chose the show's other finalist. After the dancing, there's a second chance to see the "Castle" debut. Slick and clever, it has murders being solved by the mismatched team of a tough cop (Stana Katic) and an ego-driven author (Nathan Fillion). "You're Welcome America," 7 p.m., HBO. This show began its limited Broadway run on Feb. 5, with Will Ferrell returning to his "Saturday Night Live" role of George W. Bush.

"Kings" debut, 7-9 p.m., NBC.

Huge, ambitious and distinctive, this series will draw opposite reactions. Some people will consider it overblown; some will consider it triumphant.

Put us in the latter category. "Kings" has the freshness of early "Lost" and (at times) the verbal splendor of "The West Wing"; it also has two ideal characters.

One is David Shepherd, a quiet farm kid who fixes things; he becomes a battlefield hero. The other is King Silas, with a grand vision of his own destiny,

David is perfectly played by Christopher Egan, a young Australian; Silas is stunningly played by Ian McShane, an old Englishman. The king's epic speeches are beautifully written by Michael Green ("Heroes"); McShane seems destined for the Emmy he should have won in "Deadwood."

All of this is beautifully directed by Francis Lawrence ("I Am Legend"). A modern version of the biblical story of David, "Kings" is partly ancient legend and partly current triumph.

"Dream Home Giveaway," 8 p.m., HGTV.

This year's dream home is nestled neatly into California wine country. With input from designers Monica Pedersen, Kim Myles and John Gidding, it seems ready for a perpetual party. There are front and back porches, a lot of party spaces, soothing colors -- and an office with a fully stocked wine cellar.

Tonight, someone will be surprised with the news about winning the 3,600-acre home.