Gannett News Service

Sweeps Spotlight

Frasier, 8, 8:30 and 9 p.m., NBC,

Just nine days before the final episode of this often brilliant show, we get a crash course on Frasier Crane's wobbly romantic life. First come reruns, tracing his relationship with Charlotte (Laura Linney). At 8 p.m., Frasier hires her as an expensive (and failed) matchmaker. At 8:30, he learns she has a macho boyfriend. He also falls for a temptress (Jennifer Tilly).

At 9 p.m. he has a flood of memories about romances and other failures. Including horrific date with Rosie Perez.

Must-see

The Shield, 10 p.m., FX.

Several major stories are resolved tonight during an important hour.

We find out who stole $7,000 from Vic's stash of stolen money. We learn what will happen to the visiting decoy squad and to Claudette Wyms' power grab. In a powerfully acted scene, Aceveda finally tells his wife he was sodomized at gunpoint.

There's much more after a black artist and a Chicano priest are killed. Gang rage seethes in this powerful episode.

Worth watching

American Idol, 8 p.m., Channels 19, 45. The final five contestants compete.

Gilmore Girls, 8 p.m., Channels 64, 26. Deflated by his divorce, Luke makes a decision. He also confronts Jess who is refusing to be involved with his mom's wedding.

24, 9 p.m., Channels 19, 45. The show took one of its absurd twists last week after the evil Saunders was surrounded.

Tony let him get away (with the potential to kill millions via virus), because the guy had Michelle hostage. Tonight, Tony tries to cover his deeds.

Scrubs, 9:30 p.m., Channels 5, 22. In the season finale it's time for the wedding of Turk and Carla - except Turk is taking on some extra surgery that day.

It's a big, busy episode with occasional laughs.

NYPD Blue, 10 p.m., Channels 9, 7. Andy faces a setback in his effort to solve an 18-year-old murder.