TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"Bones," 7 p.m., Fox. In one impressive hour, "Bones" views repulsive crime, quiet drama and even some moments of surprising comedy. Dr. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel) is a forensic anthropologist and an author. She's smart and determined; she's also devoid of people skills. Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz) is an FBI agent. He likes her — she is, after all, attractive — but dismisses all scientists as "squints." Now they're working on an agonizing case involving a murdered 6-year-old. Brennan must briefly become a people person. In odd ways, "Bones" surprises us.

OF NOTE

"All-Star Salute to Patti LaBelle," 5 p.m., UPN (KIKU). LaBelle, a sensational singer, is honored with performances by top talent, including Nelly, Kelly Rowland, Ashanti, Big Boi, Boyz II Men and more.

"NCIS," 7 p.m., CBS. When two assassins are killed Tony (Michael Weatherly) and Ziva (Cote de Pablo, a strong addition to the show) take their undercover identities as a married couple. That stirs up their sexual tension.

"Gilmore Girls," 7 p.m., WB. Here's the first confrontation between Rory's troubled boyfriends, past and present. Jess (Milo Ventimiglia) is back and meets rich-guy Logan (Matt Czuchry).

"Nova: Hitler's Sunken Secret," 8 p.m., PBS. In World War II, the allies were convinced that Hitler was getting close to an atomic bomb. To slow him, Norwegian guerrillas made an heroic effort to sink a ship with a mysterious cargo. Now researchers learn what was on the ship and whether there was really a danger. It's a good story — albeit one that keeps being slowed with long scenes of people digging up the ship's remains.

"Commander in Chief," 8 p.m., ABC. A new book is filled with secret information on the day of the confirmation hearings.

"My Name is Earl," 8 p.m., NBC. Earl really wants to go to the fair so he figures he'll do an easy chore: He'll make up for the times he tricked a guy into giving him free beers. Alas, it won't be that easy.

"The Office," 8:30 p.m., NBC. Michael tries to lure a new client (Tim Meadows). Meanwhile, Jim discovers Michael's old screenplay and organizes a reading.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. When a body is found, police re-open the case of five boys who vanished 30 years ago.

"Boston Legal," 9 p.m., ABC. After some great episodes, the show suddenly has a buffoonish one. Each case — fear of clowns, romance with livestock, a lawyer wounding his defendant — is mostly just silly. These are the sort of things that might have drawn merry giggles in a college bar at 1:45 a.m.

TONIGHT ON KHNL NEWS 8

Help man's best friend and the Hawaii Dog Foundation by lending a paw! On KHNL News 8 at five you can adopt one of our friendly canines. Get the latest news, sports and weather tonight on KHNL News 8.