TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"Heroes" return, 8 p.m., NBC. When we last saw this show, it seemed to pull several stories to an abrupt halt. Niki surrendered to police to keep Jessica (her alter ego) from killing anew. Peter was comatose, facing a repeated vision that he will burst into a nuclear fireball. Eden had been killed. Claire's dad had wiped away her memory and the memory of others around her. What can the story do from there? A lot, as it turns out — watch and see. Also, a new character, Claude, arrives. He's played by Christopher Eccleston, who recently starred in the British classic "Doctor Who." This is a transitional week for the show, but it makes compelling television.

"Prison Break" return, 7 p.m., Fox. Talk about transitions — this one is hectic. The show's cliffhanger had Kellerman, the rogue federal agent, shooting Mahone and leading Michael and Linc in an escape. New questions spring up. Is Mahone dead? Can Kellerman slip the guys through an area that's flooded with police? Will they find the man (alive and in hiding) whom Linc was convicted of killing? All of that pops up tonight along with some fierce moments involving T-Bag (another escapee) and Bellick (a corrupt guard who's now behind bars). This is riveting television.

OF NOTE

"Lincoln Heights," 7 p.m., ABC Family. A handsome undercover cop is pretending to be the high school's new bad boy. Problems spring up because he's dating the daughter of Eddie the cop.

"How I Met Your Mother," 7 p.m., CBS. Bryan Cranston, the "Malcolm in the Middle" boss, plays Ted's former boss, who keeps insulting him when they work together.

"The Class," 7:30 p.m., CBS. Ethan overhears something disturbing when eavesdropping on Kat and her boyfriend. Also, it turns out that the class was integrated after all. Essence Atkins ("Half & Half") plays a former classmate who asks Duncan on a date.

"Two and a Half Men," 8 p.m., CBS. Jake says he sometimes hears his mother and her boyfriend having sex. This news disturbs Alan and brings unwelcome memories for Charlie.

"24," 8 p.m., Fox. Last week's episodes ended powerfully. There was a nuclear explosion near Los Angeles with word that four more bombs are scattered around the U.S. After killing a colleague, Jack Bauer said he couldn't do this any more. Let's hope he can.

"Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" return, 9 p.m., NBC. After a long break, this excellent show is back with romantic complications. Danny pursues his passion for Jordan, the network's programming chief; Matt wants to win an online contest to win a date with Harriet, his former love interest.