TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"American Idol," 7 p.m., Fox. Tonight, all 12 females perform. So far, they've been impressive. Catch Lisa Tucker, 16 and gifted. Or Katharine McPhee, the exuberant daughter of a music teacher. Or Ayla Brown, a basketball star. Or the classically trained Stevie Scott, the powerful Mandisa and other strong contestants. Afterward, viewers get their first votes of the season. They'll have to wait an extra day, however: The men sing tomorrow; on Thursday, a results hour will dump two men and two women.

OF NOTE

"NCIS," 7 and 8 p.m., CBS. In the first rerun, the team wants to help McGee after he shoots someone who turns out to be an undercover cop. In the second, a supermodel dies during a reality show called "Boot Camp Babes."

"The Shield," 8 p.m., FX. In a strong episode, Claudette tries to continue her interrogation as her health crumbles. Vic joins a combined effort to catch a killer. He also has to admit to his lawyer that he's been taking money improperly.

"Recess: School's Out " (2001), 8 p.m., Disney Channel. Here's a fun cartoon movie with James Woods voicing an evil principal who wants to eliminate summer vacation.

"Frontline: The Insurgency," 9 p.m., PBS. This new documentary looks at the Iraq war through the eyes of the American soldiers, the Iraqi opposition and journalists.

"Boston Legal," 9 p.m., ABC. Tom Selleck shows up in a rather loopy story line. The ex-husband of Shirley (Candice Bergen), he's marrying someone he claims is just like her. In offbeat ways, that's thoroughly untrue. There are also two serious stories, in this hour: Paul (Rene Auberjonois) meets his estranged daughter (Jayne Brook), with some strong confrontations; Alan (James Spader) handles an assisted-suicide case that has a chilling finale.

TONIGHT ON KHNL NEWS 8

At 5 and 10: Tonight on KHNL News 8, Walter Makaula profiles "Hawaii's Most Wanted." Will your tip bring another crook to justice?