Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Lost," 7 p.m., ABC. Last week's opener ended with a jolt: Nearly 50 survivors of a plane crash were groping for ways to survive. Then they learned that there's something very big and scary on the island. That supernatural element is the only weak spot in what's otherwise a strong, realistic drama. Tonight, "Lost" answers some questions via flashback, including a key one: Who was the federal marshal transporting? Stick around for a strong story about people building a society amid crisis.

Of Note

"Smallville," 7 p.m., WB. Lois is still in town; now she and Clark are being sought by military men.

"Origins, " (A Nova presentation), 8 p.m., PBS. Here's the second half of an ambitious documentary viewing the creation of Earth. Tonight's first hour asks why, despite strong efforts, no one has found life on other planets. The second hour flashes way back, asking how a big bang could have led to a habitable planet.

"The Apprentice," 8 p.m., NBC. The reality show runs one day earlier than usual in order to make room for Thursday's presidential debate. Tonight, the two teams compete in the restaurant business.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. In an odd step, CBS made a late decision to delay the season-opener of "King of Queens" and the debut of "Center of the Universe." Tonight, it simply plugs in this rerun. Grissom and his team investigate multiple deaths at a grocery store.

"CSI: NY," 9 p.m., CBS. A woman has no memory of being brutally attacked in Central Park.

"Wife Swap," 9 p.m., ABC. This well-made reality hour starts with opposites. One woman works constantly at her jobs and with her family. Another spends most of the day on "me time," shopping and working out and getting pretty. When they temporarily switch families the result is fascinating.