Gannett News Service

Must-see

Stargate: Atlantis debut, 9-11 p.m., Sci Fi Channel.

Here's a show that's strong on the wow and the whoosh. It's flawed but has some grand science-fiction moments.

Officials learn that they can step through the Stargate (don't ask) and into the legendary land of Atlantis. A savvy diplomat (played by Torri Higginson) is in charge, bringing scientists and soldiers.

Robert Patrick (The X-Files) leads the soldiers with Joe Flanigan as the No. 2 man, a semi-quirky major.

Rushing into this new world, the scientists are at first dazzled and excited. Then fear creeps in as technical breakdowns occur and monsters called the Wraith sweep in. The show's flaw is that it makes the Wraith so powerful that any victory over them seems contrived. Otherwise, this is a solid sci-fi show, with Higginson and Flanigan providing heroes who are both strong and human.

Worth watching

Stargate SG-1, 7-9 p.m., Sci Fi. If you missed last week's season-opener, here's a quick rerun. With O'Neill (Richard Dean Anderson) frozen in Antarctica, Carter (Amanda Tapping) must provide the heroics. It's a fairly strong episode with a final scene that will have an impact this season.

Joan of Arcadia, 8 p.m., Channels 12, 7. Joan takes a cosmetology class and gets some new views about beauty.

The George Lopez Show, 8 p.m., Channels 9, 2. Paris Hilton guest stars as a tutor for Max.

Haunted Honeymoon (1986), 8-10 p.m., Pax TV. Gene Wilder and the late Gilda Radner play newlyweds in a haunted mansion. The script is weak, but the stars are charming.

Ocean's Eleven (2001), 8-10:30 p.m., TNT. Here is pure entertainment that's quick, slick and frothy. George Clooney plans a heist with support from Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and more. This could have been silly, but director Steven Soderbergh (Traffic) gave it intelligence and style. Julia Roberts also stars.

Hope & Faith, 9 p.m., Channels 9, 2. Clint Black plays the guy Hope liked in high school. Now he's single again and Faith is after him.

Las Vegas, 10 p.m., Channels 5, 22. Sam and Mary try to break up an engaged couple after a dispute over gambling. Meanwhile, Mike and Danny obsess over a jewelry theft.