TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"24," 7 p.m., Fox. In Sunday's opener, Tony Almeida led a terrorist plot to break through the government's communication wall. He demonstrated his power by taking two passenger planes almost to a collision point. This jolted viewers who assumed Tony is a good guy and (more importantly, perhaps) a dead guy. His old friend Jack Bauer asked the question on everyone's mind: "What happened to you?" We'll get an answer tonight, plus more visceral, high-stakes action. Be aware that these two hours require tolerance. An escape scene is extremely unbelievable, even by the loose "24" standards. Still, that doesn't matter much. The show keeps delivering passion and kinetic energy. Even when it flaunts logic, it's compelling.

TONIGHT'S MIGHT-SEE

"The Story of India," 9 p.m., PBS. Long ago, India sparked a spiceless world. Traders traveled what was called the Spice Road, dealing for its peppers and other flavors. In tonight's first hour, Michael Wood visits ancient cities, some still bearing signs of their old grandeur. He follows the former sprawling empire, into the current Turkmenistan and Pakistan. In the second, he views signs of India's golden age, from 300 to 1000 A.D. It was a time when its people could calculate anything from the circumference of the Earth to (via the Kama Sutra) the best sex positions.

OF NOTE

"October Sky" (1999), 6 p.m., AMC. Growing up amid the soot of a West Virginia mining town, Homer Hickam Jr. was fascinated by the possibilities of space. He and his friends obsessed on rocketry, overcoming their stark surroundings. That true story is told with feel-good joy by director Joe Johnston, with Jake Gyllenhaal excellent as Hickam.

"The Bachelor," 7 p.m., ABC. The show fits into its California setting by having two pool parties. There's also a Robin Thicke concert and more, before Jason Mesnick trims the field from 15 to 12.

"Big Bang Theory," 7 p.m., CBS. His feelings hurt by Penny, Wolowitz abandons his friends when they need him for a fighting-robot competition.

"How I Met Your Mother," 7:30 p.m., CBS. Ted and Robin try to settle into the "friends with benefits" notion that they can still have friendly sex. Meanwhile, Marshall is disturbed by dreams that include reality stars Heidi Montag, Spencer Pratt and Kim Kardashian.

"Kyle XY" season-opener, 9 p.m., ABC Family. Prom night always seems frantic on TV, but this one hits an extreme for everyone near Kyle, the artificially created teen. His sister has just broken up with her boyfriend, his brother is negotiating a sex-free night of video games and his kindred spirit, Jessi, is leaving. Plus one thing more: Someone has just kidnapped Kyle's prom date. It's a busy and fairly interesting hour.