TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"American Masters: Novel Reflections On the American Dream," 9 p.m., PBS. For its first hour, this is a great film — intelligent and involving. Afterward, it gets repetitious. The idea is to see how novelists view the American dream. There are readings from talented actors (Julianna Margulies, Keith Carradine, Ming-Na Wen, etc.), plus stylish visual approaches. All of this works wonderfully for F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," John Steinbeck's "Grapes of Wrath," Theodore Dreiser's "Sister Carrie" and Edith Wharton's "The House of Mirth." But the film ends with three novels — "The Street," "Typical American" and "Seize the Day" — that seem identically dreary and bitter. "Novel Reflections" retreats into a sort of somber monotone.

"Lost," 9 p.m., ABC. After being betrayed, Kate finds herself in the jungle, scrambling for survival. Meanwhile, Hurley warns Sawyer that he might face banishment if he doesn't change.

"American Idol," 8 p.m., Fox. Tonight, the field is trimmed to eight. Also, Tony Bennett sings.

OF NOTE

"Bones," 7 p.m., Fox. Remains are found, encased in concrete. Meanwhile, Brennan's estranged dad (Ryan O'Neal) arrives.

"Jericho," 7 p.m., CBS. How many refugees can the town handle? That issue leads to violence.

"Friday Night Lights," 7 p.m., NBC. Last week, the Panthers won the semifinals in a mud-soaked game on a makeshift field. Now everyone's attention is elsewhere. Coach Taylor makes an abrupt decision that angers his wife and daughter. Also, Tyler's secret is revealed, and Riggins continues his affair with a single mom.

"Crossing Jordan," 8 p.m., NBC. The team scrambles to find a hijacked school bus full of children. Also, Jordan's health situation finally becomes clear.

"In Performance at the White House," 8 p.m., PBS. Before catching "Idol" tonight, settle in for another kind of music. The Thelonious Monk Institute set up the concert, with some jazz greats. That includes singers Anita Baker, Nnenna Freelon and Lisa Henry, plus Wayne Shorter and Bobby Watson on saxophone, Clark Terry on flugelhorn and Herbie Hancock on keyboard.

" 'Til Death," 8:30 p.m., Fox. Joy accompanies her daughter on spring break — and promptly finds a cute guy hitting on her. Back at home, Eddie's vacation plan goes sour when cable TV doesn't work.