Gannett News Service

Must-see

American Idol, 8-10 p.m., Channels 19, 45.

Last week's finals got things off to a spectacular start. The finalists (eight men, four women) were strong, and at least half of them seemed idol-worthy.

Now the field is down to 11 people who perform tonight over a two-hour stretch. (Yes, 24 fans must wait another week.) On Wednesday, we see who is dumped.

The Shield, 10 p.m., FX.

In the first two weeks of this powerhouse series, Vic and his crew obsessed over the fortune they stole from mobsters. That's ignored tonight as office politics prevail.

Aceveda and Wyms are in charge of a high-profile hooker crackdown. That causes trouble with a politically sensitive arrest and with a desperate hooker who brings up Vic's bitter memories.

This is a powerful episode, but a painful one with much brutality to women.

In a secondary story, a serial rape case shows that Dutch is skilled at getting a confession. This time, that brings a backlash.

Worth watching

Whoopi, 8 p.m., Channels

5, 22. Opposite forces collide in Mavis' hotel. Her cousin has a gay wedding and her brother has a Republican bash.

One on One, 8 p.m., Channel 25. This reruns the episode in which Smokey Robinson played Duane's absentee father.

All of Us, 8:30 p.m., Channel 25. Here's another guest-star rerun for UPN. Will Smith plays an old college friend, newly divorced and romancing Robert's ex-wife.

Frasier, 9 p.m., Channels 5, 22. This reruns the episode in which Niles and Daphne conspire to get their unborn child into the most prestigious nursery school.

America's Next Top Model, 9 p.m., Channel 25. Here is the second-season finale for this show, which has become a relative ratings success.

According to Jim, 9 p.m., Channels 9, 2. Jim seems to claim that a buddy is in town, each time there's a social event to avoid.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, 10 p.m., Channels 5, 22. Often quick to mimic the news, the show has sexual-abuse charges brought against a rich man who throws lavish parties for kids. Sound like anyone familiar?

NYPD Blue, 10 p.m., Channels 9, 2. There may be a sadist who has women imprisoned somewhere in New York City.