TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"Traveler" debut, 9 p.m., ABC. This story starts at full sprint. Two young men are on the run as sirens ring and smoke swirls. They are wanted, but we don't know why; neither do they. Then the story backs up and slows down — but only a little. Mostly, this is a hyperactive hour that will seize our attention. It's sort of like "24" happening to a regular guy. Matthew Bomer is particularly good in the central role. Fresh out of law school, he's on a road trip with a rich guy and with someone whom he finds he never really knew. Then comes an explosion in New York City. We question many of the decisions he makes, but we're soon caught up. From here, "Traveler" will wait a few weeks, then return as a summer series. We worry that it will be another tease, a serialized show that never explains itself. For now, however, it's fascinating.

OF NOTE

"Ugly Betty," 7 p.m., ABC. As her dad's immigration problems begin, Betty ends up in Guadalajara, talking to an aunt (Rita Moreno).

"My Name is Earl," 7 p.m., NBC. The season finale starts with Earl settling down and Joy on the run from the law. Neither situation will last long. This expanded and fun episode has great little moments from Dog the Bounty Hunter, Giovanni Ribisi and (especially) Marlee Matlin. Earl finds true love, until one of his ugly — and very funny — past deeds is recalled. Then comes a surprise; a good season closes with a neat twist.

"The Office," 7:40 p.m., NBC. Staffers assume they're just having a pleasant day at the beach. They don't know Michael is up for a promotion and that he wants to use "Survivor"-type games to choose a possible successor.

"Grey's Anatomy," 8 p.m., ABC. When three mountain climbers are injured, the resident surgeons must hustle. The interns aren't available, because they're taking their first-year exams. That sets up next week's season finale.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. Lady Heather won't investigate her attacker, leaving Grissom frustrated.

"Scrubs," 8:20 p.m., NBC. As Elliot prepares for her wedding, J.D. doesn't seem to be taking it well. Turk tries to divert him by taking him to a convention; that gets complicated, however, because Kim (Elizabeth Banks) is there.

"ER," 9 p.m., NBC. Relationships get more complicated: Kovac and Abby are married, Pratt is trying to avoid his womanizing ways and a new doctor arrives. He's played by Stanley Tucci ("The Devil Wears Prada"), who was a doctor earlier this season in CBS' short-lived "3 lbs."

"Without a Trace," 9 p.m., CBS. A teen disappears, shortly after joining a cult.