Must-see

The Practice, 10 p.m., Channels 9, 2

There was every reason to expect this series to crumble. Many of the stars had been dropped and the show seemed to be wobbling.

Instead, last week's premiere was terrific as is this episode.

The key is the counterpoint provided by new lawyer Alan Shore (James Spader). In the middle of a virtuous and idealistic firm he's open about his dishonesty.

Tonight, he represents a lawyer (Sharon Stone) who was fired from another firm, for claiming to get messages from God. Stone - who will appear in several episodes - is excellent in a surprisingly funny tale.

Season premiere

Doc, 8 p.m., Pax TV. Last year, the doctors lost control of their clinic. Tonight they scheme to get it back. The result is enjoyable enough but requires lots of convenient twists.

Other shows worth watching

American Dreams, 8 p.m., Channels 5, 22. Things are now in flux. Meg is off American Bandstand and Roxanne is trying to get her back on. Meg's brother is in boot camp and is newly engaged to Beth (who's in college). Meanwhile, Monica portrays Mary Wells and sings "My Guy."

Trading Space$: 100 Grand, 8-10 p.m., TLC. For the first time, each family has $50,000 (not just $1,000) to fix up a neighbor's house.

Lyon's Den, 10 p.m., Channels 5, 22. Now that Jack (Rob Lowe) is a partner in his dad's law firm, he represents a bereaved father who launches a civil suit against a guy who was acquitted of murder.