TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"The Mormons," 9 p.m., PBS; concludes at 9 p.m. tomorrow. Joseph Smith was 21 in 1827, when he reported his discovery: An angel had directed him to gold tablets, he said; he copied them over as the Books of Mormon, then returned the originals to the angels. He created what became the 12-million member Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Smith and his followers created a new society in Nauvoo, Ill. Violence erupted and he was killed by a mob. Brigham Young took over, taking his people to Missouri (more violence) and Utah. This is a huge story, one that is easy to slant pro and con. "The Mormons," however, is a co-production of two superb forces, "American Experience" and "Frontline." Many of the historians involved are current or former members of the faith. They tell the story with both guarded skepticism and an appreciation of people who beat the odds.

OF NOTE

"Spider-Man 2," 4 p.m., FX. The third movie arrives this week, so here's a chance to catch the second one. It mixes teen angst, epic adventure (directed by Sam Raimi) and a bitter villain (Doctor Octopus, played by Alfred Molina).

"Dancing With the Stars," 7 p.m., ABC. Laila Ali has become the only female celebrity left, facing five men. Last week, Heather Mills was the fourth woman ousted; only one guy, Clyde Drexler, is gone.

"How I Met Your Mother," 7 p.m., CBS. Barney finally achieves his dream — an appearance on "The Price is Right."

"The New Adventures of Old Christine," 7:30 p.m., CBS. Trying to follow her son's field trip, Christine ends up in a seedy motel with her ex-husband, her brother and her friend Barb (Wanda Sykes).

"Two and a Half Men," 8 p.m., CBS. Jake goes to the track with his uncle — and ends up winning a pile of money.

"24," 8 p.m, Fox. The CTU may have a lead on finding Cheng.

"Heroes," 8 p.m., NBC. Here's a double crisis for Hiro and his friend. They are five years into the future in a brutal society. They must struggle for survival here while hoping to get back to present time and prevent disaster.

"CSI: Miami," 9 p.m., CBS. Horatio must fire someone whose personal problems got in the way of a case.

"The Real Wedding Crashers," 9 p.m., NBC. Stunts include a wedding-cake disaster and some psychic news for a bridesmaid.

"The Riches," 7 and 10 p.m., FX. Wayne and Dahlia are suspected of stealing from the office safe. Now they need a new scam to cover it up.