TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"Lost" season opener, 8 p.m., ABC, with recap hour at 7 p.m.. One of TV's finest shows returns, in midcrisis. As last season ended, Hurley had just rescued three colleagues by running over the gunmen with a Volkswagen bus. He doesn't know his friend Charlie has died valiantly. Meanwhile, Jack has contacted the "rescuers" on a freighter — against the advice of Ben and Locke, who say these people can't be trusted. Now that continues, with eight new episodes coming.

"Eli Stone" debut, 9:02 p.m., ABC. Eli (Jonny Lee Miller) is a big-buck lawyer, engaged to a beauty (Natasha Henstridge). Then he hits a moral crisis. He begins to hear voices and have visions — including, literally, singer George Michael. His life spins out of control. No, this isn't strictly a supernatural series; there are explanations. It's a first-rate drama, one with humor, originality and people worth caring about.

OF NOTE

"CSI: NY," 7 p.m., CBS. This rerun has Nelly Furtado as a professional shoplifter who becomes a murder suspect.

"My Name is Earl," 7 p.m., NBC. This rerun has Earl meeting his old friend Frank in prison. Frank tells the story of his downfall; in flashbacks, it includes Earl and Joy.

Debate, 3 p.m., CNN. Pointing toward the "super Tuesday" primaries, Democratic candidates meet in the Kodak Theatre, in Hollywood. Yes, that's also the site of the Academy Awards and the "American Idol" finales. We'll hope the candidates don't weep or thank their agents or sing "This Is My Moment."

"The Office," 7:30 p.m., NBC. In a rerun, the office gets a visit from Ryan — Michael's current boss and former underling. Michael is not happy.

"Celebrity Apprentice," 8-10 p.m., NBC. The celebrities help a campaign to donate used shoes. There are also some elaborate efforts at spying and double-spying.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. A horror-film queen is killed on the movie set. There's an ax in her — but it may not be the cause of death.

"In Treatment," 7:30 and 11 p.m., HBO. After three fascinating one-person sessions, we now have an intense couple. He (Josh Charles) is harsh, hard and angry; she (Embeth Davidtz) has a terribly precise, controlled exterior. As they rage, their therapist (Gabriel Byrne) makes a rare slip of his self-control.

"Without a Trace," 9 p.m., CBS. A woman disappears after her boyfriend is killed by police. A gang chief is suspected.